So, the field guides and eBird are encouraging us to think about subspecies. On the matter of subspecies and hybrids, we might ask ‘Which is Our Magpie?’, taxonomically speaking. I’m referring to the bird we see on the
street verge and in the local park. A related issue is: where did the different types come from? I am very open to correction, but I would accept the view that the different types, including intergrades, evolved in place, roughly where they are found now.
Another view is that they are the result of invasion, as if by Normans in 1066, or European settlement of Australia. Some might see the White-backs invading from the south. Alternatively again, the White-backed genes might have been transmitted northwards
by a rolling wave of interbreeding. We’ll have to ask a real taxonomist about that.
Another question is what is the proportion of hybrids in the Canberra area, these being the ones with a mixture of genes from the two adjacent subspecies. Going by plumage type you might guess about 20%. However, we
are told that in this case plumage colour is not a reliable guide to the genetic type, as classified by the latest technology into subspecies A, subspecies B and Mixed. Given the amount of interbreeding likely to have occurred in our area over the long period
concerned, one might suggest a proportion of Mixed (including slightly mixed) of 99%.
My little graphic shows in more detailed the current family I mentioned. There is a history in the street of mixed plumage types, so I add a couple of snaps from earlier years. It will be a relief to many of you that
this is all I have say on the subject, for now.
From: Canberrabirds
<> On Behalf Of David McDonald (Personal)
Sent: Sunday, 8 February 2026 5:53 PM
