I once had a semi-tame Magpie. During a very bad drought a lot of the young birds are left to fend for themselves. This particular one I hand fed with minced meat. After a time it became totally independent but it used to come back to visit occasionally. They can be taught to talk, but this involves splitting their tongues, and is quite cruel. They are a very intelligent bird, and are found throughout Australia.  One of our major football teams, Collingwood, use their colors and are known as the Magpies. 
Approx. 38-44cm (15-17 inches)

Photographer: unknown