Australian Magpie
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae Genus: Gymnorhina Gray,GR, 1840 Species: G. tibicen
Binomial name
Gymnorhina tibicen Latham, 1802

The Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen is a medium-sized black and white bird, closely related to the butcherbirds and currawongs in the Artamidae family. Early European settlers named it for its black and white coloration, similar to the familiar European magpie, which is a more distant relative. Look up magpie in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Image File history File links Magpie. ... The conservation status of a species is an indicator of the likelihood of that species continuing to survive either in the present day or the future. ... Image File history File links Status_iucn3. ... Least Concern (LC) is an IUCN category assigned to extant species or lower taxa which have been evaluated but do not qualify for any other category. ... Scientific classification or biological classification is a method by which biologists group and categorize species of organisms. ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... Typical Classes See below Chordates (phylum Chordata) are a group of animals that includes the vertebrates, together with several closely related invertebrates. ... For other uses, see Bird (disambiguation). ... Families Many, see text A passerine is a bird of the giant order Passeriformes. ... Subfamilies Artaminae Cracticinae The family Artamidae gathers together 20 species of mostly crow-like birds native to Australasia and nearby areas. ... George Robert Gray (July 8, 1808 - May 6, 1872) was an English zoologist and author and head of the ornithological section of the British Museum in London for forty-one years. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... John Latham John Latham (June 27, 1740 - February 4, 1837) was an English physician, naturalist and author. ... Species The butcherbirds are crow-like birds in the genus Cracticus native to Australasia. ... Species Stepera graculina Stepera versicolor Stepera fuliginosa Currawongs are medium-sized passerine birds of the family Artamidae native to Australasia. ... Subfamilies Artaminae Cracticinae The family Artamidae gathers together 20 species of mostly crow-like birds native to Australasia and nearby areas. ... Binomial name Pica pica Linnaeus, (1758) The European Magpie (Pica pica) is a resident breeding bird throughout Europe, much of Asia, and northwest Africa. ...

Familiar birds around Australia and New Guinea, magpies were introduced into New Zealand in the 1860s and are proving to be a pest by displacing native birds. 1860 is the leap year starting on Sunday. ...

Magpie perched on a dead branch

Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1600x1067, 146 KB) Magpie on a dead branch, East Gippsland, Australia File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Australian Magpie ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1600x1067, 146 KB) Magpie on a dead branch, East Gippsland, Australia File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Australian Magpie ...

Description

Immature white-backed female, with dark eyes, in Dromana, Victoria

Adult magpies are fairly solid, well-built birds with pure black and white plumage: juveniles mix the stark blacks and whites with lighter greys and browns. Males and females are generally similar in appearance, though a few exceptions noted under individual varieties below. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (679x788, 129 KB) Photograph of an female Australian white-backed magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen leuconata, in Dromana, Victoria, Australia. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (679x788, 129 KB) Photograph of an female Australian white-backed magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen leuconata, in Dromana, Victoria, Australia. ... Dromana is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ...

Mature magpies have red eyes, in contrast to the yellow eyes of currawongs and white eyes of Australian ravens and crows. Immature birds have darker brownish eyes.

Male and female Tasmanian Magpies

Tasmanian Magpie female

Western Magpie female

Butcherbirds are generally smaller and stockier, while magpie larks are delicate birds with white eyes. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 450 pixelsFull resolution (1061 × 597 pixel, file size: 246 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 450 pixelsFull resolution (1061 × 597 pixel, file size: 246 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 552 pixelsFull resolution (1472 × 1016 pixel, file size: 454 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 552 pixelsFull resolution (1472 × 1016 pixel, file size: 454 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2576x1932, 1629 KB) [edit] Summary [edit] Licensing where the image is stored/displayed electronically original metadata must be retained and be included with further copies File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2576x1932, 1629 KB) [edit] Summary [edit] Licensing where the image is stored/displayed electronically original metadata must be retained and be included with further copies File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other...

Some magpies have lived up to 30 years.

Subspecies

There are currently thought to be nine subspecies of Australian magpie. The black-backed magpie, originally known as Gymnorhina tibicen tibicen, has been split into at least three black-backed races:

• G. tibicen tibicen, found in eastern New South Wales

• G. tibicen terraereginae found across Queensland, central and western New South Wales and into northern South Australia

• G. tibicen eylandtensis, found across the Northern Territory

• G. tibicen longirostris, found across northern Western Australia

The White-backed Magpie, originally G. tibicen hypoleuca, has similarly been split into races: Slogan or Nickname: First State, Premier State Motto(s): Orta Recens Quam Pura Nites (Newly Risen, How Brightly You Shine) Other Australian states and territories Capital Sydney Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Professor Marie Bashir Premier Morris Iemma (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 50  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004... Capital Brisbane Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Quentin Bryce Premier Peter Beattie (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 28  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $158,506 (3rd)  - Product per capita  $40,170/person (6th) Population (End of November 2006)  - Population  4,164,590 (3rd)  - Density  2. ... Slogan or Nickname: First State, Premier State Motto(s): Orta Recens Quam Pura Nites (Newly Risen, How Brightly You Shine) Other Australian states and territories Capital Sydney Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Professor Marie Bashir Premier Morris Iemma (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 50  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004... Capital Adelaide Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Premier Mike Rann (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 11  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $59,819 (5th)  - Product per capita  $38,838/person (7th) Population (End of September 2006)  - Population  1,558,200 (5th)  - Density  1. ... Slogan or Nickname: The Territory, The NT, The Top End Motto(s): none Other Australian states and territories Capital Darwin Government Constitutional monarchy Administrator Ted Egan Chief Minister Clare Martin (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 2  - Senate seats 2 Gross Territorial Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $10,418 (8th)  - Product... Slogan or Nickname: Wildflower State or the Golden State Other Australian states and territories Capital Perth Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Ken Michael Premier Alan Carpenter (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 15  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $100,900 (4th)  - Product per capita  $50,355/person...

• G. tibicen tyrannica, a very large white backed form found across southern Victoria

• G. tibicen telonocua, found in southern South Australia.

• The Tasmanian Magpie, G. tibicen hypoleuca a small white-backed subspecies with a short compact bill found on King and Flinders Islands, as well as Tasmania.

• The Western Magpie, G. tibicen dorsalis in the fertile south-west corner of Western Australia.

• G. tibicen papuana, found in southern New Guinea.

These three races, tibicen, hypoleuca and dorsalis, were for many years considered separate species; however, they were noted to hybridise readily where their territories cross, with hybrid grey or striped-backed magpies being quite common. “VIC” redirects here. ... Capital Adelaide Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Premier Mike Rann (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 11  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $59,819 (5th)  - Product per capita  $38,838/person (7th) Population (End of September 2006)  - Population  1,558,200 (5th)  - Density  1. ... Municipality of King Island, Tasmania King Island from space, April 1993 King Island is one of the islands that makes up the state of Tasmania, Australia. ... Municipality of Flinders, Tasmania Flinders Island is an island in the Bass Strait, located 20 km from the north-eastern tip of Tasmania, Australia. ... Slogan or Nickname: The Apple Isle; Holiday Isle Motto(s): Ubertas et Fidelitas (Fertility and Faithfulness) Other Australian states and territories Capital Hobart Government Constitutional monarchy Governor William Cox Premier Paul Lennon (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 5  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $16,114...

Behaviour

Diet

Magpies are omnivorous. The Australian Magpie walks along the ground searching for insects and their larvae. Birds will also take handouts from humans and will often venture into open houses to look for food. They also eat small animals like lizards and worms. They may also eat their own digestive products.

Nesting

Collecting nesting material

Magpies mate throughout the year, but generally in winter. Nesting takes place in winter, and chicks hatch in early spring. By late summer the babies either form their own flock or separate from their parents but remain in the same flock. They make their nest out of small sticks and little leaves. They make them all stick together using a mixture of dirt and water. If the female magpie has too many babies, it will make a nest, maybe out of an old street sign or a little hole. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 534 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1067 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 534 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1067 pixel, file size: 1. ...

Swooping

Magpies tend not to be afraid of people, and they live in urban areas as often as in the bush, so magpies are a familiar sight to most Australians, and their melodic song is widely enjoyed. However, if magpies feel threatened while nesting (typically in May-September in southern Australia), even by an inadvertent intrusion into their territory, they will often swoop at the intruder and audibly "snap" their beaks in an attempt to drive them away. Magpies generally swoop from behind, and without warning, so attacks can be somewhat terrifying, particularly to children. For this reason, local authorities sometimes post warning signs during "swooping season", particularly in urban parks. Magpie attacks can cause injuries, typically wounds to the head and eyes, this is extremely common. Last swooping season, five people died from their injuries after being attacked by the birds and being struck in the temple or causing the victim to fall to the ground ^[1]

Warning sign about magpie swooping

To avoid swooping attacks, the best course is to avoid the territory of nesting magpies during the relatively brief nesting season. Magpies are a protected native species in Australia, so it is illegal to kill or harm them. However, this protection is removed in some Australian States (e.g. see section 54 of the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act ^[2]) once a magpie attacks a human, allowing for the bird to be destroyed if considered to be particularly aggressive. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (640x814, 66 KB) Summary magpie swooping sign at Queanbeyan NSW Australia. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (640x814, 66 KB) Summary magpie swooping sign at Queanbeyan NSW Australia. ...

If it is necessary to walk near the nest, some people prefer to wear protection such as a bicycle helmet or upturned empty ice-cream container. Magpies prefer to swoop at the back of the head; therefore, keeping the magpie in sight at all times can discourage the bird. Using a basic disguise to fool the magpie as to where a person is looking (such as painting eyes on a hat, or wearing sunglasses on the back of the head) can also prove effective, as can holding an object above one's head. In some cases, magpies may become extremely aggressive and attack people's faces; it may become very difficult to deter these birds from swooping. If a bird presents a serious nuisance the local authorities may arrange for that bird to be legally euthanised, or more commonly, to be caught and relocated to an unpopulated area.

It is claimed by some that swooping can be prevented by feeding the magpies. By this is meant not putting out a feeder, but feeding them in person. The idea is that humans thereby get removed from the "danger" category. As always when feeding wildlife, feeding should be irregular so as to discourage dependence. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Voice

Australian magpies have a musical warbling call. In his poem, The Magpies, noted New Zealand poet Denis Glover wrote "quardle oodle ardle wardle doodle, the magpies said". In contrast, young magpies squawk almost continuously. This article is about The poem by Denis Glover. ... Denis Glover (1912-1980) was a New Zealand poet and publisher. ...

Tameness

Australian Magpies are territorial, and this presents the opportunity for people to get acquainted with the local pairs and their offspring.

Popular culture

• The magpie is a commonly used emblem of sporting teams in Australia, most notably the Port Adelaide Magpies, Brisbane's Souths Logan Magpies, Melbourne's Collingwood Magpies and Sydney's Western Suburbs Magpies.

• The white-backed magpie has been featured on the South Australian flag since 1904 and coats of arms since 1984 under the name Piping Shrike.

• The popular New Zealand comic Footrot Flats features a magpie character by the name of Pew

// Description An Australian Rules football team in the SANFL. History The Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club were formed in 1997, after the Port Adelaide Football Club ( formerly the Magpies ) renamed the Power, joined the AFL. Premierships 2 - 1998 & 1999 Magarey Medals 3 2001 - Tony Brown & Ryan OConnor (tied) 2003... The Souths Logan Magpies, more commonly referred to by their former name Souths or simply Magpies, are a rugby league football club based in the southern suburbs of Brisbane, Australia. ... collingwood is gay, as are you faggot bitch tit ... The Western Suburbs Magpies are a rugby league club in Sydney, Australia. ... Capital Adelaide Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Premier Mike Rann (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 11  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $59,819 (5th)  - Product per capita  $38,838/person (7th) Population (End of September 2006)  - Population  1,558,200 (5th)  - Density  1. ... Flag of South Australia featuring the Piping Shrike The Piping Shrike is the emblematic bird that appears on South Australias flag, State Badge and Coat of Arms. ... The very first edition of Footrot Flats released in 1978. ...

References

• BirdLife International (2004). Gymnorhina tibicen. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
• Page on swooping birds by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment
• Kaplan, Gisela, Australian Magpie: Biology and Behaviour of an Unusual Songbird, CSIRO Publishing, 2004, ISBN 0-643-09068-1
• Magpies - Queensland Government
• Use Of The Piping Shrike - South Australian Government
• Magpie Alert: Learning to Live with a Wild Neighbour Dr Darryl Jones. (2002) University of NSW Press

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (also known as the IUCN Red List and Red Data List), created in 1963, is the worlds most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species and can be found here. ... The World Conservation Union or International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is an international organization dedicated to natural resource conservation. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Gymnorhina tibicen

• Audio file of the magpie's famous warbling call
• Australian Magpie Description and pictures.
• Biological and evolutionary information (book excerpt)
• Australian Magpie videos on the Internet Bird Collection
• Magpies Behaving Badly (ABC Science Online)