Australian Magpie

Most Australians would be able to identify an Australian Magpie.

They are one of the common birds found throughout Australia except for some extremely dry inland areas. They are quite at home in the school playground, our parks and especially our home gardens. This often brings them into conflict with humans, especially in the breeding season. Their aggressive tendencies to swoop and harass humans is well known.

A South Australian scientist, Professor Chris Daniels, in conjunction with ABC 891 Morning Radio, is conducting Operation Magpie in South Australia over the next few weeks. The project runs from 1st September to the 13th October 2009. It follows on from successful projects n previous years, Operation Bluetongue in 2007 and Operation Possum in 2008.

People throughout South Australia are asked to log on and register their interest online by filling in a survey sheet on the web page. This community based research project is an extremely valuable way of gathering more information and understanding of this popular and lovely species.

In addition to the survey sheets, the web page also includes five fact sheets about magpies as well as a classroom kit for teachers to use.

To participate go to the website here.

Australian Magpie