Australian Magpie

Magpies were everywhere on our travels in Australia, and on most occasions I ignored them completely, as I am more attracted to Australia's colourful parrots.  This one, however, was sitting posing for me, fluffing up his feathers as if saying "Take me, take me!"  Note that strong beak, not so good when they decide to attack humans who inadvertently come too close to their nest!

The Australian magpie was deliberately introduced to New Zealand in the 19th century but flourished so well it is now considered an invasive species.