Gymnorhina tibicen
Australian Magpie at Molonglo Valley, ACT
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| Gymnorhina tibicen | AndyRussell | 4 Oct 2016 | |
| Gymnorhina tibicen | AndyRussell | 4 Oct 2016 |
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2 comments
5 Oct 2016
Most of the local magpies have a black back but there is one near home with a white back like this. The Simpson and Day Field Guide to Birds of Australia describes several races of magpie. Is this a local variant or an extension of range of white-backed ones?
5 Oct 2016
Based on the map in the morcombe guide, ACT lies on the line where the ranges of 2 races, White-backed and Black-backed Magpies meet. White-backed occur to the south and Black-backed to the north. Much of the population are Black-backed or a mix of black-backed and white-backed. I suspect a mix is the majority, but I can't say I have paid enough attention to be sure of the proportion, it is not all that obvious unless you pay special attention. Pure White-backed magpies seem to be a lot fewer, but they really get your attention when you see one. There is a decent number of them on Wanniassa Hills, and aren't rare although less common.
Location information
- Coordinates 149.066428-35.285092
- Maps Sth Tablelands Ecosystem Park
- Places Molonglo Valley, ACT
Sighting information
- 1 Abundance
- 4 Jul 2016 02:29 PM Recorded on
- AndyRussell Recorded by
Collections
- AndyRussell Canberra & Southern Tablelands NatureMapr Gymnorhina tibicen Magpie or larger Other Birds Birds
Species information
- Gymnorhina tibicen Scientific name
- Australian Magpie Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Local native
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Up to 1104.2m Recorded at altitude
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Synonyms
Cracticus tibicen Gymnorhina tibicen
Seasonal activity
-
Nesting site
JFMAMJJASOND