The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea.
This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding magpies (almost always males) become aggressive, swooping and attacking those who approach their nests. Research has shown that magpies can recognise at least 100 different people, and may be less likely to swoop individuals they have befriended
