This Magpie-lark was one of three that came up close to investigate a friend and me while we were standing on the shore of Manly Dam. Magpie-larks are also known as Mudlarks, because they build their nests of mud, and as Peewees in imitation of the noise they make.

This one is a male. You can tell by the colour of the throat: in males it’s black, in females white.

Common name: Magpie-lark, also called a Peewee or a Mudlark

Scientific name: Grallina cyanoleuca

Approximate length: 30 cm

Date spotted: 28 April 2018 (Autumn)

Location: Manly Dam National Park, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’35.5″S 151°14’50.3″E