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The magpie is a distinctively Australian bird, which has adapted successfully to agricultural and urban areas. Beautiful carolling, a relish for eating many harmful insect pests and its lack of shyness have made the magpie popular with the suburban gardener and farmer alike.
There are two sub-species of magpie in Western Australia. The western magpie occurs in the south-west of the State and the black-backed magpie in the central and northern regions. They interbreed where their ranges meet. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is responsible for the management of magpies, which are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act.
Pest control
Magpies eat a wide range of animal and plant food. They feed mainly on
small insects and other animals that live in or just under the ground -
creatures like beetles, ants, spiders, frogs, lizards and even carrion.
Their favourite food is the larvae of the scarab beetle, which greatly
damage lawns. Magpies also eat other garden and farm pests. They
control insect pests in a natural way, reducing the need for dangerous
pesticides.
Tribes and flocks
Like people, magpies have a complex social structure. They form two
main associations - tribes and flocks. Tribes consist of two to ten
birds of both sexes which defend a territory of up to eight hectares.
They vigorously defend this territory against other magpies because
this is the area in which they obtain their food and rear their young.
It always contains enough trees in which the birds can shelter and
nest, and a permanent supply of water.
Flocks consist of birds unable to form a tribe or gain access to a
territory. They are composed of young adults and old non-territorial
birds which do not breed. These birds live in areas that are unsuitable
as a territory because there is no permanent water or not enough
feeding places. The flock is forced to move from place to place in
search of food.
Periodically, birds from flocks attempt to oust birds from a tribe, but
they are usually unsuccessful. A bird from a flock may join a tribe
when a tribe member dies, or a new tribe may form from a flock when an
existing tribe breaks down after losing several individuals.
Nesting
Magpies prefer to nest in tall trees. Nesting is between August and
October. The female bird selects the nest site, builds the nest,
incubates the eggs and usually does most of the feeding of the young
birds. The eggs are incubated for about three weeks and the young are
fed in the nest for about another four weeks. Between one and six eggs
are laid and a new clutch may be laid if the first brood fails.
During the nesting season, the magpie's urge to protect its territory
becomes very strong, as a result of the need to protect its eggs and
young from attack. This is often extended to people who are "invading"
the territory. Magpies rely largely on intimidating human intruders.
They fly low and fast over the person and often clack their bill as
they pass overhead. The sound of their wings whistling past and the
movement of air can be alarming. But, by confidently continuing on your
way, the bird will often retreat to the safety of a tree and watch you
until you leave the territory.
Like dogs, magpies seem to sense fear and may capitalise on it by
pressing an attack. A threatening gesture with a hat, stick or umbrella
will usually make the bird retreat. Occasionally, a magpie will
actually strike an intruder on the head with its bill, but such strikes
are rare. The birds only attack during the relatively short period of
the nesting season, and for the majority of birds it is merely bluff.
Problem birds
If you have problems with a bird, several avenues of action are open to
you. Keep in mind that the birds attack only during the nesting and
rearing period, that most of the supposed attacks are really bluff and
that the bird rarely has any intention of actually striking. If you are
attacked do not look up, as this may expose your eyes. Wearing a hat
and sunglasses is one of the simplest and most effective forms of
protection, especially for children. The hat may deter the magpie and
will also deflect an accidental or intentional strike by the bird
should this occur. Adopting a confident or threatening stance towards
the bird also has a strong deterrent effect. This response is most
commonly used by adults but can easily be taught to children.
If the problem is in an area on the way to and from school, it would be
a good idea for children to use a different route during the short
period the magpie is aggressive.
Removing the magpie or the nest is illegal and may cause nestlings to
starve or freeze to death, or may result in breakdown of the magpie
tribe with further repercussions on surrounding territories and flocks.
While such actions may temporarily stop attacks, it is not uncommon for
the magpie to start rebuilding immediately, causing the problem to
start all over again. Often it is better to live with the bird for six
to eight weeks until the chicks are learning to fly and the problem
ceases.
However, if you find that none of these solutions is sufficient, you can
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or contact your nearest DEC office.
Further information:
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