Introduced from Australia between 1864 – 74 to control pasture pests, they were protected until 1951.  Although both sub species were introduced the White-backed Magpie predominates except in Hawke’s Bay and North Canterbury where up to 95% are Black-backed.  Widespread in open farmland with trees or forest, parks and gardens.

This large black and white bird has a pale blue-black tipped bill.  The song is a beautiful, flute- like carolling: ‘quardle oodle ardle wardle doodle’ heard especially at dawn and dusk.

The Australian Magpie eats a wide variety of invertebrates such as grass grubs, weevils, army worm caterpillars, porina, worms, spiders, ants, flies, crickets and snails.  This is supplemented with seeds, grain, small birds, eggs, lizards, mice and carrion.

Breeding is between July and December.  The nest is a platform of twigs with a cup lined with small twigs, leaves, grass and wool usually built high in tall trees such as pines, macrocarpas or eucalyptus.  The clutch of 2 – 5 pale bluish green eggs with olive blotches is incubated by the female for 20 – 21 days.  The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge at c. 28 days old. 

There is one resident pair of Australian Magpie on Tiri.

Photography by: Dr Kerry Rodgers ©

References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking.
Moon, G The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds.