Australian Magpie
Gymnorhina tibicen
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Australian Magpie is a striking bird with a robust build. It measures 37-43 cm in length and has predominantly black and white plumage, with a solid black head, throat, and upper breast contrasting sharply with its white nape, shoulders, and underparts.
Males typically have a pure white nape and back, while females often display grey feathering in these areas. Juveniles are duller, with grey-brown plumage that gradually transitions to adult colouration over their first three years.
Size
Length
37cm to 43cm
Wingspan
65cm to 85cm
Weight
220g to 350g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Australian Magpies are widely distributed across Australia, from the tropical north to the temperate south, and have been introduced to New Zealand and the Solomon Islands. They thrive in open woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
These adaptable birds have also successfully colonised urban and suburban environments, becoming a common sight in parks, gardens, and sports fields. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with no significant seasonal movements.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Australian Magpie. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Australian Magpie demonstrates considerable agility in its ground-foraging behaviour and aerial manoeuvres, particularly during territorial defence. Its ability to swoop and dodge with precision indicates above-average agility for a bird of its size.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With a robust build and strong beak adapted for probing soil and handling prey, the Australian Magpie possesses good strength for its size. Its ability to defend territory against larger birds and even humans suggests notable physical prowess.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable, the Australian Magpie thrives in diverse habitats from woodlands to urban areas. Its success in colonising various environments, coupled with its omnivorous diet and ability to recognise and remember human faces, demonstrates exceptional adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
During breeding season, Australian Magpies can become fiercely territorial, often swooping at perceived threats including humans. This aggressive behaviour, combined with their bold nature in approaching people, indicates a high level of assertiveness and potential aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Australian Magpie's ability to maintain territories year-round and engage in energetic defensive behaviours suggests good endurance. Their non-migratory nature and capacity to thrive in various climates from tropical to temperate zones also points to solid stamina, though not exceptional by avian standards.
Diet
Australian Magpies are omnivorous, eating primarily invertebrates such as insects, worms, and larvae. They forage on the ground, using their strong beaks to probe the soil. Occasionally, they supplement their diet with small vertebrates, seeds, and fruits.
Behaviour
Australian Magpies are highly social birds, often seen in small family groups or larger flocks. They are known for their bold and curious nature, frequently approaching humans in urban areas.
During the breeding season, some individuals become fiercely territorial, occasionally swooping at passersby to defend their nests.
Vocalisation
The Australian Magpie is renowned for its beautiful, flute-like carolling song, often described as one of the world's most complex bird calls. Their repertoire includes a variety of warbling, gurgling, and yodelling sounds, with regional variations across their range. The distinctive 'quardle oodle ardle wardle doodle' phrase is a common morning chorus.
Nesting & Breeding
Australian Magpies typically breed between August and October. Pairs are monogamous and often mate for life, defending their territory year-round.
Nests are constructed high in trees, usually 20-30 meters above ground. They are bowl-shaped structures of twigs, grass, and bark, lined with softer materials. Females lay 3-5 pale blue or green eggs with brown markings.
Incubation lasts about 20 days, and the female primarily carries out the process. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after about four weeks. Young birds may stay with their parents for up to a year, helping to raise the next brood.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Australian Magpie is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population. However, urban development and climate change may impact local populations.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats and managing human-wildlife conflicts in urban areas.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified, but common through its range
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for magpies in open grassy areas, including parks and sports fields.
- Listen for their distinctive carolling song, especially prominent at dawn and dusk.
- Observe from a distance during the breeding season (August to October) to avoid territorial behaviour.
- Watch for ground-foraging behaviour as they search for insects in short grass.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Australian Magpies can mimic human speech and other sounds in their environment.
- They have excellent facial recognition abilities and can remember individual human faces for years.
- Despite their name, Australian Magpies are more closely related to butcherbirds than to European magpies.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Gymnorhina tibicen. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22706288A131945700.
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