Gymnorhina tibicen
Least Concern
Adorning the skies and lands of Australia, the Australian Magpie is a striking black and white bird known for its rich, melodious song. This sociable bird, often found in large groups, is a familiar sight in open country, parks, and gardens. With an impressive lifespan and stable population, the Australian Magpie holds a firm place in Australia's wildlife, enchanting locals and visitors alike with its distinctive markings and enchanting calls.
Males and females have similar plumage
Black
White
Black
Long
White
Black
White collar, white on wings and tail
Long and white-tipped
37cm to 43cm
Length
65cm to 85cm
Wingspan
210g to 360g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Juvenile Australian Magpie
Australian Magpie drinking from a bird bath
Adult Australian Magpie feeding a fledgling
Australian Magpie in-flight
Australian Magpie foraging on the ground
Portrait of an Australian Magpie
Rich and varied carolling
A beautiful, melodious song, often performed in groups
Loud, harsh squawks
Active during the day, foraging on the ground for insects and small animals
Live in groups of up to 24 individuals
Defend their territory aggressively, particularly during breeding season
Non-migratory
Often dominant over other species
Insects, Worms, Small Mammals
Forages on the ground, often flipping over objects to find food
Throughout the day
Picks up with beak
Will also eat seeds and fruit
None known
High in trees
Bowl-shaped nest made of sticks and lined with grass
June to March, but mainly August to December
Usually one, but sometimes two
Pale blue or green, speckled
Approximately 3.8cm x 2.7cm
3-4 eggs
Around 21 days
Around 4 weeks
Female solely incubates, both parents care for chicks
Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
Open country, parks, gardens
Sea level to 1000m
Non-migratory
Temperate Forest, Grassland
Temperate, Subtropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Introduced to Fiji, and extinct in Solomon Islands
Resident or Present
Breeding
15
30
25 year(s)
1 year(s)
2 year(s)
Monogamous, often returning to same nesting site each year
Decrease in song complexity with age
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, collision with vehicles
Protected in most of its range
Population increasing with help from creation of more grassy habitats
Other names:
Flute Bird, Piping Crow-shrike
Family:
ArtamidaePopulation size:
Unknown
Population trend:
Increasing
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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