Key facts:
- Magpies can live for up to 30 years
- Magpies lay their eggs in spring, and they may swoop you to protect their nests
- They have great memories and can remember people who make them feel threatened
Australia is full of furry, feathered, and scaly animals, not found anywhere else in the world. Meet some common Australian animals and improve your English language skills with .
Learning notes
- (pdf - 621kb)
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Transcript
Have you ever seen a sign in your local park that says, "Warning, swooping magpies"?
Let's talk about the Australian magpie, one of Australia's most loved birds.
Living with Aussie Wildlife
Magpies
Magpies are playful and fun to watch.
They have black and white feathers and white hoods on their necks.
Magpies live across Australia.
They like grass, so they love living in the suburbs.
Australian magpies live in the same area for many years.
This area is called their territory.
They live as a couple or in groups of younger birds.
Magpies can live for up to 30 years.
Magpies are great to have in your backyard.
They eat lawn grubs that can kill your grass.
Magpies also eat insects, lizards, mice and spiders.
Magpies lay their eggs in spring.
This is their breeding season.
During this time, magpies will defend their territory.
They may swoop you to protect their eggs and chicks.
Magpies will start swooping closer and closer until the person moves away.
Magpies only swoop for a few weeks until their chicks leave the nest.
During this time, you can wear a hat or umbrella to protect your head.
It is also important not to go near their nests in the breeding season.
Never wave sticks or throw stones at magpies.
They have great memories and can remember people who make them feel threatened.
Quiz time!
Magpies swoop when they are...
..breeding, hungry or sleepy?
Magpies swoop when they are breeding.
If you are kind to magpies they will trust you.
They will help you keep your lawn free of grubs.
We love living with magpies!
Credits
Living with Aussie Wildlife is a project made by SBS in partnership with and .
