The Australian magpie is a black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. The Australian magpie is omnivorous, eating various items located at or near ground level. Magpies may engage in an escalating series of behaviours to drive off intruders. Magpies will swoop in from behind or the side and audibly "snap" their beaks or even peck or bite at the face, neck, ears or eyes.