Australian magpie
Gymnorhina tibicen
The iconic Australian magpie is a common sight in both our bush and parklands. Our wide-open grass areas and bushlands are foraging heaven for these birds, who appreciate being able to see across their territory.
A magpies’ diet consists mainly of insects and larvae, and they have very good hearing to find them! Magpies can hear the sound of grubs and worms under the ground, so watch for the tell-tale cock of their heads as they scan the ground for movement next time you’re in the Park.
They can also feed on small reptiles, frogs and mammals, as well as seeds and fruit, which means they definitely don’t need our help in finding food! You can help keep our magpies healthy in two ways - by leaving them to forage for themselves and by giving them the healthy respect they deserve and admiring them from a distance.
FAUNA PROFILE
| Family | Artamidae |
| Scientific name | Gymnorhina tibicen |
| Noongar name | |
| Common name | Australian magpie |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Habitat | grasslands, heathlands, woodlands |
| Park occurrence | Resident |