Grallina cyanoleuca
The Magpie-lark is distinctively marked in black and white. The thin whitish bill and pale iris separate it from other similarly coloured species. The adult male Magpie-lark has a white eyebrow and black face, while the female has an all-white face with no white eyebrow. Young birds have a black forehead, a white eyebrow and a white throat. The Magpie-lark is often referred to as a Peewee or Pee Wee, after the sound of its distinctive calls. The name Magpie-lark is quite misleading, as the species has no link with either the magpies or the larks. However, the Magpie-lark is sometimes confused with the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen. While both species are black and white, the Magpie-lark is noticeably smaller than the Australian Magpie.
Not Threatened
The Magpie-lark is distinctively marked in black and white. The thin whitish bill and pale iris separate it from other similarly coloured species. The adult male Magpie-lark has a white eyebrow and black face, while the female has an all-white face with no white eyebrow. Young birds have a black forehead, a white eyebrow and a white throat. The Magpie-lark is often referred to as a Peewee or Pee Wee, after the sound of its distinctive calls. The name Magpie-lark is quite misleading, as the species has no link with either the magpies or the larks. However, the Magpie-lark is sometimes confused with the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen. While both species are black and white, the Magpie-lark is noticeably smaller than the Australian Magpie.
26- 30 cm, 92 g
Taxonomy: C [orvus] cyanoleucus Latham, 1801, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Proposed and formerly widely used name picata is a synonym of nominate race by first revision (both names were simultaneously published for same taxon). Relationships of genus disputed; has in the past been thought to be closely related to the two species of Struthideidae, but genetic analyses indicate no such relationship; on basis of recent genetic studies, has been placed in drongo family (Dicruridae) or in monarch-flycatcher family (Monarchidae), and apparent close affiliation with latter supported by details of skull morphology; has also been suggested as being related. (source: Handbook of the Birds of World)
Subspecies and Distribution:
- * neglecta Mathews, 1912 - N Western Australia (Kimberley) E to N Queensland (Cape York). * cyanoleuca ( Latham, 1801) - W, C, E & S Australia.
Magpie-larks are found in almost any habitat except rainforests and the driest deserts and are familiar urban birds.
The Magpie-lark is mostly ground-dwelling, and is usually seen slowly searching on the ground for a variety of insects and their larvae, as well as earthworms and freshwater invertebrates.
Magpie-larks build an unusual mud nest. During the breeding season both the male and female gather wet mud and construct a bowl-shaped nest on a horizontal branch, or similar site, often up to 20 m above the ground. The bowl is lined with feathers and grasses. The male and female birds often sit side by side and call alternately, each raising and lowering their wings as they do so. Magpie-larks aggressively defend their nest and territory, which may occupy up to 10 ha. Both parents share the incubation (3-5 eggs) duties and care for the young. If conditions are favourable, more than one brood may be reared in a year. Seasonal migrations;non-breeding and young birds form large nomadic flocks, sometimes consisting of several thousand individuals; mainly move north in autumn/winter and south in spring/summer