Do territorial and non‐breeding Australian Magpies Gymnorhina tibicen influence the local movements of rural birds in New Zealand?

Abstract

Australian Magpies Gymnorhina tibicen sometimes attack and kill other birds in New Zealand. Here we assess how Australian Magpies influence the local distribution of other birds in New Zealand and identify the members of an Australian Magpie population that display the most agonistic acts. We conducted regular observations on six territorial breeding groups and three non‐breeding flocks of Australian Magpies for 1 year to determine (1) if other birds avoid flying or foraging close to Australian Magpies, (2) the proportion of passing birds that are attacked and (3) which social subunits of the Australian Magpie population are most aggressive. In comparison with adjacent Magpie‐free control areas, significantly fewer birds of a range of species (e.g. Common Blackbird Turdus merula, Skylark Alauda arvensis, Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella) foraged close (i.e. ≤ 50 m) to both territorial breeding groups and non‐breeding Australian Magpie flocks; fewer birds were also recorded flying near (i.e. ≤ 50 m) territorial breeding groups but not non‐breeding flocks. Excluding Australasian Harriers (Circus approximans: see below), only 8% of birds recorded within 50 m of territorial breeding groups were observed being attacked. Attacks were most frequent when numerous birds occurred near Australian Magpies and species recorded in the highest frequencies were generally attacked most. Territorial breeding groups attacked 39% of passing Australasian Harriers. All attacks consisted of the victim being swooped at or chased; no physical contact was ever observed. Both adult male and female breeding Australian Magpies were seen attacking other birds; juveniles in breeding groups sometimes supported adults but never initiated attacks. Australian Magpies in non‐breeding flocks were not seen attacking other birds, except Australasian Harriers (attacked in 17% of appearances). Our results suggest that some birds avoid foraging and/or flying close to Australian Magpies because they are sometimes chased by breeding adults of both sexes; however, the proportion of passing birds actually attacked was small. The numerous published observations of Australian Magpie attacks are apparently biased heavily towards sensational events that are rare. Possible reasons why Australian Magpies attack other birds are discussed.