2023 $1 Aussie Big Things Big Swoop PNC

The black-and-white Australian Magpie is one of Australia’s most loved birds, winning the Guardian Bird of the Year in 2017. However, the magpie is also feared in breeding season, as males in particular will defend the nest by swooping on perceived predators, including humans. This defensive behaviour gives name to the Big Swoop sculpture, by local artist Yanni Pounartzis, located in Garema Place, in Civic, the central business district of Australia’s capital, Canberra. The Big Swoop shows a gigantic magpie greedily pecking at a huge chip.