What does it look like?
Magpies are a large black and white bird, with a distinctive warbling call. The black-backed magpie and the more predominant white-backed magpie commonly interbreed, producing birds with intermediate markings. Both sub-species of the Australian magpie were introduced into New Zealand with the aim of controlling invertebrate soil pests. Their preferred habitat is open grassland and cultivated paddocks with tall trees nearby for shelter. Magpies have a complex social system in which they form territorial groups. Magpies defend their territory by singing, aggressive posturing and fighting.
Why is it a problem?
During the breeding season, magpies can become very aggressive and attempt to drive off animals and humans. Small children in particular can be subject to intimidating and hazardous attacks. Magpies are also known to harass, attack, and kill a wide variety of native and exotic birds. There is anecdotal evidence that magpies cause native bird species to become less conspicuous in an area by excluding them from breeding territories. They may also prey on chicks and eggs to feed to their young. Magpie control is likely to have significant benefits to the native bird population under these circumstances.
Control methods
Shooting
In rural areas, magpies can be shot using a shotgun, .22 rifle or a high-powered air rifle. For effective shooting, magpies can be attracted within range with a decoy and a recording of the magpie distress call, which can be purchased from sports and outdoor stores.
Random shooting of magpies is unlikely to achieve any significant control of the local population. Playing the recording of distressed magpies will attract magpies from up to one kilometre away. Use this method sparingly, as surviving birds quickly become ‘gun shy’ and wary of the distress call recording.
CAUTION: A VALID NEW ZEALAND GUN LICENSE IS REQUIRED UNDER NEW ZEALAND LAW FOR ANY USE OF FIRE ARMS.
Abide by the firearms code and be aware of the risks of shooting to your neighbours or animals etc.
Trapping
Many traps are commercially available, including Magpie traps - TrapWorks and Magpie Traps — Maintrac Group. These are all live capture traps that allow other birds to be released unharmed. Therefore, traps need to be regularly checked and any magpie caught must be humanely destroyed as per animal welfare legislation.
Live capture traps require a flat grassed area on private land where the trap can be left during the control period. Short term use of call birds can increase the effectiveness of the trap.
Any person using a live capture trap must check the trap, or have a competent person check the trap every day, within 12 hours after sunrise on each day the trap remains set. Magpies must be humanely destroyed and not released.
Related links
Management Programme
Organism of Interest (OOI)
Organisms of Interest are those specified as pests under our Regional Pest Management Plan that are capable of causing significant adverse effects on one or several of our Regional values. These species warrant being watch-listed for ongoing surveillance or future control opportunities.
