The Australian magpie has beaten the laughing Kookaburra and the white Ibis to take out the Australian Bird of the Year award.
In a win, which may shock anyone who’s been swooped by the bird, the magpie topped the 2017 Bird of the Year poll run by BirdLife Australia and The Guardian newspaper.
The magpie, with 19,926 votes from the public came in first, with the Australian white Ibis, fondly known as the bin chicken, coming in at second with 12 per cent of the vote, followed by the kookaburra.
The magpie topped the 2017 Bird of the Year poll run by BirdLife Australia
With 19,926 votes the magpie won ahead of the Australian white Ibis
On social media the win has been scrutinised with one person commenting on the victory citing: ‘this is certainly Australia’s “trump moment”.’
Another likened the win to politics closer to home, citing: ‘Is Malcolm Turnbull The Magpie Of Australian Politics?’
One woman called the Magpie’s success a ‘disgrace’ as a man called the upset the ‘biggest robbery since’ Guy Sebastian won over Shannon Noll in 2003.
The bin chicken wasn’t too far behind in second place with 19,083 votes and the laughing kookaburra gained 10,953.
The poll was open on the Guardian Australia website taking votes until December 9.
The laughing kookaburra came in third with 10,953 votes
Birdman Sean Dooley told ABC News Breakfast the bin chicken was initially leading the poll with the magpie following close behind.
‘It has been neck-and-neck in the home straight but the magpie has been the number one bird – the Bird of the Year is the Australian magpie.’
He believes the bird, despite its aggression, has something to offer.
‘They’re incredible birds and they have an amazing vocal range, they’re one of the most complex vocal birds of any bird in the world,’ Mr Dooley said.