Intelligent, inquisitive and gregarious, the beloved black-and-white Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) can be found throughout most of the country. The approximately nine magpie sub-species are divided between black-backed and white-backed races. For example, 'maggies' found north of the Great Dividing Range are black-backed, while their Victorian and Tasmanian cousins are white-backed. Sexes can be distinguished by a pure white nape in the adult male and a more greyish nape in the adult female. Magpies’ tuneful, carolling song and fierce, territorial swooping behaviour during nesting season are their most familiar characteristics.

This large-size, embellished postal numismatic cover is a limited edition of 2,000 units. It includes two magpie coins from 2023 (Big Swoop from Aussie Big Things and AFL Collingwood Magpies) and one from 2022 (Great Aussie Coin Hunt). The 2023 coins feature the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Effigy obverse design. The two stamps are both from 2023 issues: Aussie Bird Count and Aussie Big Things.