The Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) is a very common suburban
bird in Brisbane, it is often seen searching for food walking
frantically across lawns, in pairs most of the times, if one is around
usually the other is not far. I had the chance to study a breeding pair
for a while and I was able to notice some very interesting things.
Male and female pair for life, different sexes have different colour
patterns, females (above) have white forehead and throat, while males
(below) have white eyebrows, black forehead and throat. Jouveniles have a
mixed pattern with white throat and large white eyebrows, dark eyes and
beak, audults have very light eyes and beak.
Both parents are very protective and won't hesitate to attack much
larger birds which may be a threat for the nest such as crows. The nest
is built with mud, grass and leaves. Male and female exchange nest
duties approximately every 15 minutes, they both search for food so the
babies can enjoy a constant food supply.
As the day gets hotter the parent stops sitting on the baby birds and
stands over them with wings half open to provide shade to the nestlings.
Magpie-larks, also known as Peewees, are known to sing in duet
to defend their territory. Each partner produces about one note a second
but a half-second apart, so to the human ear it sounds coming from the
same bird.
This beautiful bird has a very charming black and white plumage, which
seems to be rather in fashion for Australian birds, their flying style
reminds me of that of some bigger species of butterflies.
I hope you enjoyed reading about the Magpie-lark, until next time,
Matteo
Matteo