Living with Magpies

With its crisp black and white feathers and its carolling call, the Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) is familiar to us all. It is one of the few native birds which have benefited from European settlement. The Magpie is an endearing creature that struts around our suburbs and farmland which are ideal feeding areas for this intelligent bird. Magpies feed mostly on the ground and consume numerous household and garden pests. This makes them a great asset to the gardener and farmer alike. This natural pest control reduces the need for the use of dangerous pesticides.

Unfortunately, they have gained a reputation for aggressive behaviour, from a very small percentage of birds which do swoop at humans during the breeding season. Magpies breed around August to October. Nests are a loose basket of sticks located high in a tree. Usually three to five eggs are laid and the incubation period is approximately three weeks. Pairs mate for life and will defend their territory in order to give their chicks the best possible chance of survival. Magpies have clearly defined territories from which they obtain food, nest and raise young. A territory contains one breeding pair and their offspring. The dominant male is the defender of the family and their territory.

From the time the eggs are laid the female bird attends to the young, but relies on the male to deter intruders and predators. During the breeding season, male magpies' instinct to protect its territory becomes very strong. While there are many stories of attacks by magpies on humans, the fact is very few magpies exhibit this behaviour. The reason for the attacks on humans is usually unknown but could originate from people throwing things at the birds. Also, anyone who 'rescues' a magpie chick may unknowingly provoke the father to consider humans as enemies. It is best to leave magpie parents to look after their own young. Chicks are unlikely to be taken by a dog or a cat as the parents will vigorously defend it.

Threats to the Magpie

• Harassment by humans,

• Insecticide - this kills their insect food source and eventually will kill the birds

• Cars - Magpies often feed on roadsides and glide across roads at low altitude

• Predators, such as butcherbirds, can take young. Dogs and cats can also kill magpies

Take note of newspaper warnings regarding the breeding season. Never provoke or harass birds; the more you retaliate, the more vigorously they will defend their nest. If you believe a magpie chick needs to be rescued it is best done after sundown when the parent won't see you stealing their baby and consider you a threat. Avoid areas where aggressive birds are present until after the breeding season. This may mean children take a different route to school for a short time.

If you must pass an aggressive bird try to keep it in sight at all times as magpies attack from behind. They swoop, beat their wings and clack their beak. Most of this is bluff but magpies can, and do, make contact with an unsuspecting human head. Teach children not to exhibit fear as the birds may detect it and press the attack. Wear a hat, sunglasses or bike helmet or carry an umbrella. Should none of the above proposals help, report the matter to the Department of Environment. Never take action yourself as this could provoke more aggressive behaviour from the birds and have serious repercussions on the magpie social system.