Australian Magpie Pulling Worm, Victoria Australia

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This female Australian magpie is struggling to pull a worm out of the ground. It is pulling as hard as it can and was ultimately successful. They always are. You can tell this magpie is a female by the fact her back feathers are not pure white.Because the worm is at a steep angle and viewed from in front, it appears to be much shorter than it is. It was certainly more than 30 cm (12 inches) long. As an aside, there are more than 1000 native earthworm species in Australia, including the Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis) that can grow to the impressive length of 3 meters (9.8 feet). 

The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is a robust bird that is native to Australia and southern New Guinea, and introduced to New Zealand, and the Fijian island of Taveuni. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognized subspecies. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the Australian magpie has an array of very complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range.

In spring and occasionally in autumn, about 10% of the breeding male magpie population become aggressive, swooping and attacking those who approach their nests. They have caused a small number of serious injuries, including blindness. Research has shown that magpies can recognise at least 100 different people, and are less likely to swoop individuals they have befriended.

For the record, I have viewed magpie nests with young at close range and see adults forraging at closer range on an almost daily basis. I have never had a problem nor have I witnessed a problem, even when bicycles zoom past them. The magpie swooping issue is greatly overblown, but it certainly does happen when fast movements are perceived as a threat, and/or if they recognize a person who has been perceived as a threat in the past. Magpies have long memories. Since their naughty list is passed down through the next seven generations, it's wise to befriend them.