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We will be adding to the collection of pages (some of which we acknowledge have been 'borrowed' from other sources) on how to get along with fauna which interact with us. This page has information on magpies. For living with possums .. Click
HERE
Magpies Australian Magpies belong to the same family as Butcherbirds and Currawongs. They forage on the ground, turning over loose material, searching for seeds, insects, worms, spiders, lizards, mice and beetles. (Including the scarab beetle which does so much damage to lawns - a good reason to keep them around.) Magpies Territory
Magpies are territorial in nature, and have strict social order, often living in territorial groups, large enough to defend its territory without depleting resources. There are other groups whose territories are lower in quality and may not contain enough year-round food or suitable nesting or roosting trees. Magpies will not breed while part of the larger group, and must split off into pairs, with their own territory.
From June to December, these breeding magpies build nests of sticks lined with wool, hair, grass, bits of plastic, string and wire. They are built high in the gum trees and are often used year after year. The eggs hatch after about 20 days, and the young spend 4 weeks in the nest before they fledge, able only to flutter and not fly. Their hunting skills improve as they get older, and the adults stop feeding them. At this time you may see the parents pecking at them when they make begging noises.
Swooping
Some nesting magpies defend their territory by swooping upon the perceived intruder. They beat their wings, clack their beaks and occasionally peck or scratch with their claws. This aggressive defense of territory lasts while the eggs and young are in the nest. There are a number of measures that can be taken to protect people and deter further swoops: Avoid the area where magpies are swooping, and make signs to inform other people. -
Wear a hat while in the area. -
Carry a stick or branch (or umbrella!) above your head -
Don't stop if you are swooped, as you are still in the magpies territory and they will keep swooping until you are out of the area. -
One deterrent we have tried is carrying a 'super soaker' type water gun, and firing only when they swoop. We have had some success changing behaviour in a few days, but not all magpies are so easily 'trained'.
It is best to live with Magpies while taking suitable precautions during the breeding season. If an aggressive Magpie is moved from the area too soon:- The eggs will not hatch, or the young will die of starvation and exposure. -
Other Magpies from less suitable areas will claim the territory and build a nest of their own. -
If only the nest is removed, the birds will usually build another one in the same area.
Not to mention the danger you put yourself into by trying to reach their nest, which is generally built way up in the tree. Although inconvenient, by taking any of the precautions listed above, you can easily get through the relatively short 'swooping' season. If the swooping becomes too aggressive, contact NANA or the National Parks & Wildlife Service for advice.
Adapted from 'Living with Magpies' - WIRES South Coast Website | |
