This is the time of year that Magpies begin nesting and often boot their chicks from the previous season out of the area. I’m still finding some
of last year’s juveniles still in residence in my area however, over the past 20 years or so I have noticed a pattern.
I have observed over 10 breeding families in my area over a number of years.
During the drought years my original local maggies in a small park in the next street, consisted of one male and two females. Each female hatched
four chicks. Not all survived but those that did were quickly chased away come the next breeding season. However, once the drought broke there were fewer chicks hatched (consistent in all breeding families). Come the next breeding season, female juveniles
were allowed to stay for the following or even two years to help with raising the subsequent chicks.
I watched my local families change over the years with some deaths and others being ousted by incoming families.
Only family groups breed but the juveniles and unattached Magpies form a large group called a tribe. There have been two local tribes in my area,
though not one recently. The latest was in my street and consisted of at least 95 birds, many of whom I believe were juveniles that I fed in my back yard as they recognised me and came down asking me to feed them.
Sadly, my original family were ousted when one of the females was killed chasing an intruder and they were both hit by a car. At the time, the two
females would sit on my arm.
One weekend my neighbour told me that they heard a large magpie fight in their backyard. My magpie family was defeated and left. At the time they
had five surviving chicks. The chicks hung around for a time but eventually also left. From my observations the chicks do not get involved in territory disputes. I’ve also observed that with territory disputes that usually about six magpies will come in to
oust the existing family. However, once successful, three of the interlopers will leave leaving only a family of one male and two females. I have often wondered about the fate of the defeated family and where they go. I’d love to have a tracking device on
them to understand what happens.
Not sure what all this means but this is what I have seen. There is a small park in the next street, which always has a magpie family present and
this is where I have seen the most changeover of territory.
My original family had a very large territory but since they were ousted, their territory is now occupied by at least three different families. They
were obviously a strong contender until one of the females died.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of tlann rail via Canberrabirds
Sent: Monday, 3 August 2026 3:22 PM
To: CanberraBirds email list <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Juvenile magpie doesn't seem old enough to be out on its own
This seems to be quite a young magpie to be out on its own. Photo taken about a week ago. Its eyebrow sort of made it look like a cross between a magpie and a magpie lark. It was very sweet.
