More to magpies than meets the eye
The one thing most people know about magpies is to be wary of them. But as writes there’s much more to the magpie than its reputation for being an over-protective parent.
You need eyes in the back of your head - the perfect saying for my recent encounter with an aggressive, territorial magpie.
It was my first experience with an irate magpie. Recently, while out walking, completely lost in thought, I heard and felt an explosive swoosh within millimetres of my ear.
It scared the living daylights out of me. But, it could have been much worse – It seemed I’d had a lucky escape.
I don’t know whether this magpie was filling in some time on a balmy spring afternoon or whether it was purposefully escorting me from its territory. Either way, it meant business. It knew exactly what it was doing.
Naively I thought its initial swoop would be the first and last. Turns out, I was wrong. It was to be the first of half a dozen, calculated and freaky attacks. This ‘’angry bird’’ perched on power poles between sessions. Pretending to rest it waited patiently for me to get halfway between poles. Then it would eye up its target (me or more precisely my head) and swoop at a ridiculous speed towards me.
The only reason I didn’t get a beak lodged somewhere in my head, was my trusty camera. It turned out to be a lifesaver. Waving it frantically in front of me, it acted as a shield.
I’m certain this magpie in some perverse way was playing with me while defending its nesting area. I’m also convinced it was intelligent, calculating and determined. And I’m impressed by its bravery and fearlessness to protect its young.
Since the attack occurred, friends have suggested a few safety measures to take if in a region known for magpies. One is to wear headgear with fake eyes on the back, especially during magpies’ nesting season.
Another is to hold something above head height (to make oneself look taller); the magpie should (hopefully) swoop at the highest point. Or wear sunglasses back to front.
Why hadn’t I heard of these handy hints before? Now, speaking from personal experience these aggressive, intelligent birds really do swoop suddenly and noiselessly.
Magpies are native to Australia and Southern New Guinea. They were introduced to New Zealand to control insect and pests in pastures but are now an invasive species. Magpies can be found throughout the North Island and the South Island.
Farmland with shelterbelts of pine trees, macrocarpas and gums are places magpies tend to choose. They can also be found around parks and golf courses.
Magpies are fiercely protective and territorial. Plus they’re clever. It’s a scary mix if it’s you they’re targeting.
Both males and females protect their young. Their strong, sharp beaks are ideal for piercing the ground to extract worms and tough enough to wedge into hard substances. Beaks are also used for fighting and to catch and kill prey.
Nests are built from twigs, roots and man-made material such as wire and are lined with wool and hair. The usual clutch (group of eggs) consists of three or four eggs. However, usually only one or two chicks survive. Most of the time it takes one parent per chick to provide enough food.
In most cases juveniles remain with their parents until winter. The chicks are driven out of the nest by their parents, before the next breeding season arrives.
Magpies have a complex social system where they form two groups, non-territorial or territorial groups. They defend their territory by singing and fighting.
Magpies are passerine birds, which means their feet are adapted for perching – three forward facing toes and one back.
When tamed, Magpies can make wonderful pets. They’re playful and can do tricks, such as rolling on to their backs. These songbirds have also been known to be great mimics. When in an area where magpies might be nesting …
If cycling paint or put eyes on the back of your helmet.
Wear a cap with eyes drawn on the back.
Face the magpie – don’t turn your back.
Walk at a steady pace away from the trees – don’t run.
If you have a stick or umbrella hold it up above your head.
Be mindful of areas where magpies nest and avoid them if possible.