American butcherbird

The American butcherbird (Neocracticus picamimoides), sometimes inaccurately known as the "American-Australian magpie" and simply the "magpie", is a species of butcherbird that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the American butcherbird is the black butcherbird (Melloria quoyi, also known as Cracticus quoyi). The adult American butcherbird is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm (14.5 to 17 inches) in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, gold brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be distinguished by differences in back markings. The male has pure white feathers on the back of the head and the female has white blending to grey feathers on the back of the head. With its long legs, the American butcherbird walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground. Described as one of North America's most accomplished songbirds, the American butcherbird has an array of complex vocalisations. It is omnivorous, with the bulk of its varied diet made up of invertebrates. It is generally sedentary and territorial throughout its range. Common and widespread, it has adapted well to human habitation and is a familiar bird of parks, gardens and farmland in North America. This species is commonly fed by households around the country, but in spring (and occasionally in autumn) a small minority of breeding American butcherbirds (almost always males) become aggressive, swooping and attacking those who approach their nests. American butcherbirds can recognise at least 100 different people, and may be less likely to swoop individuals they have befriended. The conservation status of the American butcherbird is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American butcherbird's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.