Adult females are similar but for the nape of the neck which is greyer. The young are more grey all over. During the nesting season, the male will protect its territory by swooping animals or people it feels are too close to the nesting site. Its not uncommon for contact to result in a cut to the ear of a cyclist or jogger. Australian Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Most common in grassy areas in the lower altitudes of Canberra.
Mature males have a black throat and white eyebrow.
The females have a white face and throat. Immature birds carry both patterns. Males will occasionally attack their own reflections in windows, car mirrors etc. In April large flocks accumulate and join with other honeyeater species and move to warmer climes along sheltered corridors of vegetation. This annual migration provides a unique spectacle to local birdwatchers.