FAUNA - Rescuing, caring for and rehabilitating orphaned, sick or injured native wildlife in South East (SE) Queensland, Australia

MAGPIE

There are 3 types:

- Black Back
- White Back
- Western (which normally have mottled backs)

Western are found in the Southern regions of the state of West Australia Black back and white back are found in the rest of Australia, the White Back to the North, the Black Back to the South. Interbreeding has made location lines very indistinct, with the Australian Magpie being one of Australias most common birds This is because it needs open ground to feed, some trees to roost in, and this describes a lot of Australias agriculture regions and urban landscapes.

Australian Magpie Males and Females are similar, with glossy black and white colourings.

The bold white patch on the nape is common to all types of Australian Magpies. Average length of a mature Magpie is 38 to44 cm.

Australian Magpies have strong hooked beaks. Young Magpies are duller and their feathers are more "downy".

SINGING: Magpies have a beautiful "Warbling Carol" (carolling) which is heard across Australia every day in the bush, on farms and in urban backyards. They call for partners, and also to warn other birds this is their territory. The notes become shorter when distressed, and young magpies "begging for food" their call is most insistent.

HABITAT: Found right across Australia. They require open ground to feed, some trees to roost in, and this describes a lot of Australias agriculture and bush landscapes Australian Magpies have adapted well to the increase of mans urban cities and they can be found in surburban parks and gardens.

FEEDING: The Australian Magpie feeds mainly on worms, ground-dwelling insects and spiders, ground dwelling invertebrates. Magpies can be seen pecking and probing into any likely crevice.

MAGPIE SOCIETY: Magpies live in groups with a strict heirarchy setup of a dominate male, 2 to 3 females and any number of young up to about 20 individuals. Magpies occupy permanent territories used for feeding, roosting and nesting. Depending on the area (ie amount of grazing area, trees etc) the size of their territory varies from roughly 10 to 20 hectares.

"SWOOPING": During breeding season Magpies (especially males) fiercly defend their nest and territories by basically dive bombing any perceived threat whether in the air on the ground including humans, sometimes resulting in a jab to the back of the head, or at the very least a huge fright. They prefer to wait untill the quarry is not looking, so often the first you know of it is when wings are beating beside your ears.

BREEDING: Breeding occurs from July to Feburary (depending on local climate). The female makes the nest on her own consisting of a rough basket of sticks in a tree. They often line it with softer material and being the opportunist bird it is in sheep grazing areas they use wool caught on bushes etc. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs (blue or green blotched & streaked with brown), which hatch in 20 days. Females incubate and rear their young unaided to the fledgling stage (24 days approx) During this time the nest is defended by the male, and if the threat is perceived to be very serious the female will leave the nest to help deter the "threat". Once the young have left the nest all members of the group help in educating, protecting, and caring for them. Fathers show the young how to forage for food.

RELATIVES & OVERSEAS MAGPIES: Australian magpies are related to Butcherbirds and Currawongs. Their only relation to the European magpie is their black and white markings.