Australian Magpies and Magpie-Larks: What’S the Difference?

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Fact Sheet4 Australian magpies and magpie-larks: what’s the difference? Some confusion exists over the difference between Australian magpies and magpie-larks. Both species forage on the ground and they are both common around Australia. The confusion can be attributed mainly to their similar colouration although their common names can also be problematic. Physical differences With a little knowledge and experience it is easy to distinguish between these species. The table below outlines some of the physical differences that will help: Australian magpie Magpie-lark Size Medium-sized 35-45 cm Small 25-30 cm Colouration of Crown and forehead are Black head with white the head black markings Colouration of White, with a black band White, with a black band the tail across the tip before the tip Bills Black-tipped triangular bill White bill Eye Red-brown eye-ring White eye-ring Mostly sticks, sometimes Mud nests, with grass and Magpie - larks Artis photo: Michael Nesting with the addition of human- other plant material to hold it materials made materials such as wire together Common names Both species have been known by many common names, leading to some confusion over which is which? In particular, the use of the name “piping shrike” to describe the Australian magpie in South Australia’s state badge has created misunderstanding. The table below contains many of the common names attributed to these two species: Australian magpie Magpie-lark Magpie Photo: Michaela Heinsen (Gymnorhina tibicen) (Grallina cyanoleuca) Piping shrike Murray-magpie Piping roller Little magpie Flute-bird Peewee Bell-magpie Peewit (also used to describe currowongs) White-backed magpie Mudlark Black-backed magpie Australian magpie-lark Magpie - lark Artis photo: Michael.

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FULL ACCOUNT FOR: Gymnorhina tibicen Gymnorhina tibicen System: Terrestrial Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Animalia Chordata Aves Passeriformes Cracticidae Common name Synonym Coracias tibicen Similar species Grallina cyanoleuca, Cracticus nigrogularis Summary Gymnorhina tibicen (the Australian magpie) was originally introduced to New Zealand around the 1860s in an attempt to combat pastoral pests. It is known to be extremely territorial, especially during the breeding season, and is known to assault other avian species and even humans. Magpies potentially threaten a number of indigenous avian fauna, as well as putting humans at risk of injury. view this species on IUCN Red List Species Description The Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), is a medium-sized ground-feeding passerine found throughout much of the Australian continent. They range from 36-44cm in length and weigh 280-340g with black and white plumage, black heads, wings and underparts together with white napes and shoulders (NRC, 1998). The iris of the adult magpie is red, whereas the juveniles' eyes are dark brown in colour. Minor differences exist between the male and female magpies, though in general, magpies are not considered to be sexually dimorphic (Simpson et al., 1993). Notes Although Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) have been known to have detrimental impacts on some birds, they can actually be beneficial to others. They do this by attacking and displacing common avian predators, such as harrier hawks and ravens, which in turn provides safe nesting grounds for a number of rural birds (Morgan et al, 2005). Lifecycle Stages The average life span of the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) has not been studied in detail, but is estimated to be around 24 years, with some individuals living up to 30 years of age (Reilly, 1988).
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