Australian Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) were first introduced to the region in 1865 from Victoria Australia to control pastoral insect pests. The magpie’s most distinctive characteristic is its black and white colour and distinctive call (quardle, oodle, ardle, wardle, doodle) – best heard soon after daybreak or in the evening.
Like many other introduced species, the lack of natural predators has resulted in a rapid increase in their numbers.
Their territorial, aggressive nature during the breeding season may lead to swooping attacks on people and anything that may pose a threat to their patch. Research shows the main threat is that they harass and inhibit our native birds, particularly tūī and kererū. This strong territorial defence behaviour has made magpies relatively easy to control, as they can’t resist approaching other magpies in their territory and are easily trapped.
In the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan, magpies are listed as an eradication pest species in Golden Bay.
Previously it was thought that there weren’t any in Golden Bay, however we’ve recently been contacted by three people with sightings of the pest birds – one of whom caught one.
It seems they’re on the western flanks of Golden Bay, including the Aorere Valley and Birds Hill area.
If you see a magpie in Golden Bay, or anywhere else in the region, please contact our biosecurity team on 03 543 8400 or biosecurity@tasman.govt.nz.