Birds › Australian bush › Australian Magpie

Australian Magpie

Gymnorhina tibicen

Some magpies swoop at people near their nest in spring. They can learn individual faces and leave people they know alone.

Where to see it for real: Open lawns to hunt grubs on and tall trees to nest in.

Spot it in the game

Lives in the Australian bush habitat (Eastern Australia, among gum trees).

Australian Magpie facts

Family

Butcherbirds and allies

Length

16 in (40 cm)

Weight

11 oz (300 g)

Diet

Insects, grubs and worms from lawns and fields, plus small lizards.

Range

Most of Australia and southern New Guinea; introduced to New Zealand.

Nest

A bowl of sticks lined with grass and hair, high in a tree.

Song

A rich, flute-like warbling carol, often sung by the whole group together.

Active

at dawn, by day and at dusk

Status

Least Concern on the IUCN Red List: widespread and not at risk.

What the Australian Magpie sounds like

How to attract the Australian Magpie

Feeder foods, favorite first: mealworms. Feeders that hold them: platform feeder. Keep a bird bath full, too.

In the game: fill a feeder with mealworms and keep the bird bath full. It is a common visitor.

More: bird songs and calls, what to feed birds.

More birds of the Australian bush

GalahAustralian bushRainbow LorikeetAustralian bushLaughing KookaburraAustralian bushSulphur-crested CockatooAustralian bushSuperb FairywrenAustralian bushCrimson RosellaAustralian bush