Bird · GBIF taxon 2489450
Australian Magpie
Gymnorhina tibicenThe Australian Magpie is a sturdy black-and-white songbird with a pale wedge-shaped bill and a rich flute-like carol. It walks across lawns and open woodland probing for invertebrates, while breeding adults may defend nest areas by swooping perceived intruders.
Ground ForagerMelodic SongbirdTerritorial Breeder
1 / 6—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Earthworms
- Grasshoppers
Predators
- Wedge-tailed Eagles
- Monitor lizards
- Domestic cats
ThreatsVehicle strikes, deliberate persecution, secondary poisoning, entanglement, and removal of mature nest trees
HabitatsOpen woodland, savanna, pasture, playing fields, urban parks, gardens, and roadside trees
Life spanOften 20 years or more, with some marked birds living into their mid-twenties
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPasseriformes
- FamilyCracticidae
- GenusGymnorhina
- SpeciesGymnorhina tibicen
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- A nesting magpie may strike the head or eyes while swooping; leave its defended area promptly.
- Why it is dangerous
- Territorial adults can make repeated close passes and strike with the bill during the nesting season, causing head or eye injuries.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- A robust black-and-white ground-feeding bird with a long pale bill and white nape or back patches.
- What to do
- Leave the defended area without running or swatting, protect the eyes, and use an alternate route.
Responsible observation
- Song: Listen for clear flute-like phrases from exposed trees and lawns.
- Swooping: Turn back calmly and choose another route if a bird repeatedly dives.
- Nesting: Keep well away from the defended tree and never approach fledglings.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.