Magpie-lark (also known as Mudlark, Peewee, or Murray Magpie)

The Magpie-lark is a medium-sized bird (25-30 cm) with a striking black and white pattern. Despite its name, it is neither a magpie nor a lark, but a giant monarch flycatcher. It is famous for its 'peewee' call and its unique bowl-shaped mud nests. This feather reflects the bold contrast of its plumage, which differs slightly between males (black throat) and females (white throat).

Bicolor pattern: the distal (top) half is a deep soot-black to dark brownish-black, while the proximal (bottom) half transitions into a pale greyish-white. The rachis is dark in the pigmented section and pales at the base.

Pennaceous atop for structural integrity, transitionally plumulaceous (downy) at the base. Barbs are well-interlocked but show some separation at the lower edges.

The rachis is relatively thin and flexible, dark brown in color near the tip. Barbs are densely packed in the pennaceous region and become wispy and white toward the quill.

Smooth and matte in the black section, becoming soft and downy at the base. The surface lacks significant iridescence, typical of the Magpie-lark's striking but non-glossy black-and-white plumage.

Dorsal body feather (Back or Scapular). The dark coloration suggests it originates from the black plumage area on the bird's upperparts.

Distinctive transition from dark black/brown to a pale grey base; relatively small size for a 'magpie' type bird; absence of a notched edge found in flight feathers.

Ubiquitous across diverse environments including urban parks, gardens, wetlands, grasslands, and lightly timbered forests. Always found near water/mud for nest building.

Resident throughout mainland Australia and southern New Guinea; occasionally found on surrounding islands. They are sedentary or locally nomadic.

Predominantly insectivorous, they play a vital role in controlling lawn and garden pests. They serve as prey for larger raptors and are indicators of nearby freshwater sources.

Australian Magpie (larger, stiffer feathers), Pied Currawong (larger, darker through the base), and various Monarchs (usually smaller feathers or different color gradients).

Magpie-larks are famous for their coordinated duets. Pairs sit side-by-side and alternate notes so perfectly that it sounds like a single bird singing. They are also highly territorial and often attack their own reflection in mirrors or windows.

Commonly depicted in Australian suburban folklore. While not historically used in the millinery trade like egret plumes, they are a staple sign of the southern seasons and are often featured in local art.

Look for these near mud puddles or lawns after a rain. Because they spend much time on the ground foraging, molted body feathers are frequently found in open grass.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact, though there is minor fraying at the edges, suggesting it is a naturally molted feather rather than one lost to trauma.