Magpies make great parents and can remember your face

Magpies breeding season has begun and it’s important to remain tolerant of the protected native animal as we walk or ride near nests.

“Magpies are pretty amazing birds and in fact only 10 per cent of breeding males will actually swoop,” said Natural Areas Conservation Officer Tyron de Kauwe.

“Magpies will often stay in one area for up to 20 years and can identify individuals by their facial features, even recognising all the people in their neighbourhood.

“When they walk around with their head tilted, they are actually listening for prey and are capable of hearing earthworms and larvae moving underground.

“Unlike other members of the Artamidae family, magpies walk along the ground, they do not hop. They are also extraordinary parents, looking after their young for up to two years.”

Mr de Kauwe offered the following tips for living with magpies.

“Swooping begins once the eggs are hatched and ends once the chicks have left the nest, which is about six to eight weeks,” he said.

“When you see male magpies defending their territory, they are merely defending their young. Don’t act aggressively towards them as they have a very long memory and this will just encourage further defensive behaviour in the future.

“Move quickly through the area but do not run, wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses or use an umbrella, dismount and walk your bike and where possible, walk in groups – or avoid the area altogether if possible.

“Most importantly though, take a moment to appreciate the complex carolling of one of Australia’s most iconic birds—the humble magpie.”