Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) in Hunter Valley

[Alexandra Appleman <>]

At 09:27 AM 13/09/00 +1000, Anthony Overs wrote:
>I heard a theory about a recent sighting of Eurasian Magpie in the Hunter
>valley. Apparently Magpies are a reasonably common cage bird in parts of
>Europe. The suggestion was that the bird was smuggled into Australia by
>Kosovar refugees, and released (or escaped) from the place where the
>refugees were staying in the valley.
>
>Sounded like a good theory. Any comments?
>
>Anthony

Didn't the Kosavar refugees arrive by plane? Given the media attention at
the time, also health and security checks I think it unlikely a magpie
would be smuggled in this way, especially as it is a relatively large bird,
about the size of a koel.

Alex Appleman
Townsville 


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