Like the Kookaburra, the Magpie has long been loved by Australians,and unlike the Kookaburra, can be seen everywhere including the cities.No Australian child grows up without some personal experience of the Magpie.

Magpies and humans get along very well together,except at nesting times.At that time Magpies become very territorial and aggressive and will often swoop close to people who pass through their area.Facial injuries and even eye injuries have been reported though this is not commonplace.People regularly passing through a Magpies area at such times will wear a hat or carry a stick to wave in the air to keep them away.



If the above paints a black picture of the bird it is only a minor problem because people who feed Magpies will often find a friend for life.One Magpie my mother used to feed would follow her into the house,showing no fear,and behave as a member of the family. I have found that once you gain the trust of a bird through hand feeding - be it a Kookaburra,parrot or cockatoo-all the barriers between the wild bird and the human disappear.

In the morning especially,when the sun is beginning to warm the ground,all birds,but Magpies in particular,like to sunbathe. The first time someome sees this they think something is wrong with the bird for it stretches itself into strange postures often with its wing spread out on the ground.The bird is at its most vulnerable to predators at this time as it seems oblivious to its surroundings.

Apart from their friendliness,the other endearing feature of the Magpie is their song - a beautifully musical yodel or gurgle running up and down the scale.Hearing the Magpies song will give you a lift in spirits whatever your mood.

Their diet,like that of the Currawong,consists of ground animals such as earthworms and fresh meat.At my place the Magpies are always sharing the remains of my breakfast porridge and stale bread,with the Currawongs.

Australian Magpie Location Map.