Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) are highly territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding seasons and will actively defend their nests by attacking perceived threats with a swooping motion (EW, 2008). Australian magpies have the potential to displace native bird species by attacking them in key feeding sites as well as predating on their chicks and eggs (EW, 2008). One preliminary study showed that by controlling the magpie population, the number of the gradually declining kereru Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae), increased. Due to their preference of low grasslands, G. tibicen are considered to pose a significant strike risk to aircrafts. Juveniles are more likely to collide with an aircraft due to their inexperience to avoid them (ATSB, 2004).          Location Specific Impacts: Oneriri Station (New Zealand)   Reduction in native biodiversity: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) chase and harass native birds such as hawks, wood pigeons and even fantails (Walden, T., pers. comm., 2008). Auckland Region (New Zealand)   Competition: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) could potentially threaten a number of native bird species. They have been shown to displace native birds from important breeding and feeding sites. Furthermore, they are known to prey on chicks and eggs in order to feed their young (ARC, 2007). Human nuisance: The Australian magpie (Gymnorhia tibicen) is extremely territorial during the breeding season and is likely to perceive any intruders as potential threats. Magpies are known to attack humans by swooping down on them and occasisionally causing injury. Children are especially susceptible to this form attack (ARC, 2007). Bay of Plenty Region (New Zealand)   Competition: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) could potentially threaten a number of native bird species. They have been shown to displace native birds from important breeding and feeding sites. Furthermore, they are known to prey on chicks and eggs in order to feed their young (EBP, undated). Human nuisance: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) are extremely territorial during the breeding season and are likely to perceive any intruders as potential threats. They are known to attack humans by swooping down on them and occasisionally causing injury. Children are especially susceptible to this form attack (EBP, undated, 2002). Hawke's Bay Region (New Zealand)   Competition: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) could potentially threaten a number of native bird species. They have been shown to displace native birds from important breeding and feeding sites. Furthermore, they are known to prey on chicks and eggs in order to feed their young (HB, 2003). Human nuisance: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) are extremely territorial during the breeding season and are likely to perceive any intruders as potential threats. They are known to attack humans by swooping down on them and occasisionally causing injury. Children are especially susceptible to this form attack (HB, 2003). Waikato Region (New Zealand)   Competition: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) could potentially threaten a number of native bird species. They have been shown to displace native birds from important breeding and feeding sites. Furthermore, they are known to prey on chicks and eggs in order to feed their young (EWG, 2008). Human nuisance: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) are extremely territorial during the breeding season and are likely to perceive any intruders as potential threats. They are known to attack humans by swooping down on them and occasisionally causing injury. Children are especially susceptible to this form attack (EWG, 2002). Marlborough Region (New Zealand)   Competition Southland Region (New Zealand)   Competition: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) could potentially threaten a number of native bird species. They have been shown to displace native birds from important breeding and feeding sites. Furthermore, they are known to prey on chicks and eggs in order to feed their young (ES, undated). Human nuisance: Australian magpies (Gymnorhia tibicen) are extremely territorial during the breeding season and are likely to perceive any intruders as potential threats. They are known to attack humans by swooping down on them and occasisionally causing injury. Children are especially susceptible to this form of attack (ES, undated).