Australian Magpie
Least ConcernGymnorhina tibicen
Visual Identification
Australian Magpie
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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.
Lifespan
years
The Australian Magpie typically lives for 20 to 25 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
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
Global Population Trend
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
Other names:
Flute Bird, Piping Crow-shrike
Family:
ArtamidaePredators
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.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Gymnorhina tibicen. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22706288A131945700.
View source