Gymnorhina sp.
Magpie
Family: Artamidae
Origin: Australia
During nesting season males protect their nest by swooping anything they perceive as a threat.
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Whole region — Sustained control
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
General description
Large (up to 350 grams) black and white piebald bird with red eyes.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell any magpie within the Auckland region.
Habitats
Open or disturbed areas, grassland, pasture, urban areas, plantations.
Impact on environment
Restricts movement and residence of native birds through aggressive territoriality. Can prey on threatened species (e.g. lizards), may transmit diseases to native birds. Aggressive attacks in breeding season may cause roadstrike or wound people and pets.
Control
Management
Refer to the Pest animal control guidelines for information on how to control magpies, or contact Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Magpies were introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s.
Magpies are distinctively black and white in colour.
