The magpie is the Australian Bird of the Year.

The bird that stalks people, is the subject of community warning systems, will swoop children in playgrounds and has definitely scarred some eyeballs, is the Bird of the Year.

FWIW, the white ibis — #teambinchicken's candidate — came second.

This is the top 10 from the Guardian Australia's BirdLife poll:

BirdLife Australia releases its top 10 list for the Bird of the Year title. ( BirdLife Australia )

The poll was open on the Guardian Australia website until December 9.

Self-styled birdman Sean Dooley spoke to ABC News Breakfast as the winner was announced this morning.

"The bin chicken — the ibis — was leading when the poll went dark on The Guardian website," he said.

"Coming up close behind it was the magpie.

"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."

What's so good about a magpie?

Given most of us have probably spent some time avoiding the bird, why does it deserve to be number one?

"Interestingly, the magpie and the ibis, voted one and two, would probably also win the least favourite," Mr Dooley said.

He thinks the magpie does have 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.

"It is so evocative - that kind of carolling.

"Magpies are easily tamed and people have a great connection with them. They love to feed them.

Clearly, there are a lot of people out there who have a special relationship with a magpie.

People are divided but invested…

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