Magpies fighting (1 Viewer)

[Bird12345]

There are three maybe four rival families of magpies that strive to contest the territory around my house. Ariel dogfights are pretty common. I'd like to know as much about this as I can.

Do they aim to just chase the other birds or actually attack them? Kill them? Is it common behaviour for magpies? Once I saw two adults go after a younger one. Would the young one be in real danger here? Is there anyway I can stop them fighting? See they all visit my backyard and when another family comes and gets too close, the fireworks start.

 

[Azzy]

I honestly don't there's much you can do about preventing them from fighting. It's likely that with a bit of time they'll sort it out between themselves. But from what you say, it seems like they're pretty evenly matched sides at the moment

As far as I'm aware, I death think death or severe injury is the aim, because for one magpie to wound another like that, it puts that initial magpie at a great risk as well. I'd say it's more bullying. I too have seen a whole group of magpies pick on one, and sometimes they fall out of the sky in combat, but I've honestly never seen the end result as I've always been driving by. But I assumed it was a matter of making the magpie be submissive and teach it a lesson. Someone else might have some more expert advice on the matter though and prove me wrong

 

[MJB]

I honestly don't there's much you can do about preventing them from fighting. It's likely that with a bit of time they'll sort it out between themselves. But from what you say, it seems like they're pretty evenly matched sides at the moment

As far as I'm aware, I death think death or severe injury is the aim, because for one magpie to wound another like that, it puts that initial magpie at a great risk as well. I'd say it's more bullying. I too have seen a whole group of magpies pick on one, and sometimes they fall out of the sky in combat, but I've honestly never seen the end result as I've always been driving by. But I assumed it was a matter of making the magpie be submissive and teach it a lesson. Someone else might have some more expert advice on the matter though and prove me wrong

They seem genetically programmed to squabble in pairs, presumably driven by territorial defence, but if a Brown Falcon (or if you are really lucky, like I was once, a Black Falcon enters the scene), the sworn enemies become friends and will mob it cooperatively! Oz Magpies are intelligent, and are capable of working together against humans. If I'm in their breeding of feeding territory I tend to look for something I can clip to my camera backpack so that it projects above my head so that any attack from the rear can hit only the side of my bushman's hat; that way I can keep the one ahead of me constantly in sight!

There's quite a bit on Oz websites (and of course in HANZAB) about their behaviour, but you are right - so many people overlook them, but they are so fascinating. I'll be renewing my acquaintance with them in June!
MJB