Common Name
Australian Magpie
Alternate name
Eastern Australian Magpie
Comment
Very common on cleared land.
Stronghold population
False
Regionally significant/rationale
False
Restricted distribution/rationale
False
Historical abundance
Increasing
Local distribution
Common to abundant wherever trees present with open areas of bare ground or grass
Known location
Eagleby, Clagiraba, Coomera, Bethania, Nerang, Pimpama, Worongary, Tallebudgera Creek, Andrews, Maud
Other locality
Very common in partially cleared forest, farmland and parks; has benefited from forest clearing. A familiar garden bird, often fed meat by residents. Aggressive to other birds.
General ecology
Open woodland, grassland, farmland, parks, gardens.
Specific ecology
Short grass.
Habitat comment
The magpie has benefited from forest clearing, which creates the open country it likes. It would have been rare on the Gold Coast prior to European settlement. A very well-known bird, often fed by residents and becoming tame. A health hazard in October when it attacks people passing by its nest.
