Range

Despite their name the Australian magpie is not just found in Australia. They can also be found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. In Australia their range covers almost the entire continent.

Introduced populations of this species can be found in Fiji and New Zealand. A former introduced population in the Solomon Islands is now considered extinct.

The population in New Zealand was introduced between 1864 and 1874 to help control insect pests. They are present both on the North and South Island.

Habitat

They make their home in forest, savanna and grassland habitats. These birds can survive anywhere there are trees adjacent to an open area.

As humans have expanded this species has adapted well to living alongside them. They are often spotted at the sides of roads where they will wait for vehicles to strike animals and then they scavenge the carcass.

Reproduction

Breeding activity for the Australian magpie peaks from August to November. During the breeding season the Australian magpie will become more aggressive to intruders entering their habitat.

They build a nest which is located in the outer branches of a tree. It will be formed from sticks and twigs then lined with grass and hair.

In to the nest the female will deposit between three and five eggs which are colored blue to green with brown blotches.

These eggs are incubated for 20 days.

After hatching the female will feed them and by four weeks old they are ready to fly.

At two years old the parents will force the chicks out of their territory.

Behavior

These birds will live in groups with up to 24 birds.

Groups of Australian magpies will create a territory which is actively defended by all members of their group.

Australian magpies will perform a musical flute-like song either as a duet or with their group. They are considered to have one of the world's most complex songs.

These animals are also remarkable mimics. They will copy the calls of 35 different bird species, both native and introduced. Other species such as dogs and horses are also mimicked.

These birds will sunbake by lying down with their feathers spread out. This allows the sun to hit their skin and disturbs any parasites which may be. They will also preen their feathers to help keep them clean.

Predators and Threats

Their habit of scavenging for animals which have been struck by vehicles will lead to them also being struck by vehicles.

Well meaning humans often feed these birds mince meat which does not provide the correct amount of nutrients for them to thrive and this can eventually lead to death.

Despite these threats the birds are still relatively common and have benefited from the creation of lawns which increase the areas available for them to hunt.

Like all native Australian species these birds are protected.

Quick facts

This species is sometimes referred to as the flute bird due to their melodic call.

In Australia people will wear sunglasses on the back of their head to try and prevent magpies from swooping them.