Animalia Life
Grallina cyanoleuca
SUBFAMILY
Grallininae
TAXONOMY
Grallina cyanoleuca Latham, 1801. Monotypic..
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English; Mudlark, peewee, Murray magpie; French: Gralline
pie; German: Drosselstelze; Spanish: Alondra Urraca.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Magpie-larks have striking black-and-white plumage and long
legs. Facial plumage patterns differ between males, females and
juveniles. Juveniles also differ from adults in having dark eyes
and bills, whereas those of adults are white. Males are typically
slightly larger than females. Adults are 10–12 in (25–30 cm)
long, and weigh 3–4 oz (80–115 g).
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread throughout Australia, except in dry deserts and
dense forests. Also in Timor, southern New Guinea, and Lord
Howe Island.
HABITAT
Magpie-larks occupy a diverse range of habitats from coastal to
semi-arid.
BEHAVIOR
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, though young
birds and unpaired adults gather into large nomadic flocks.
Breeding pairs defend all-purpose territories throughout the
year. Partners advertise territory ownership by performing precisely
coordinated antiphonal duets from conspicuous perches
around their territories, often accompanying the duet by a synchronized
wing display. They defend their territories vigorously
against intruders, and attack their own reflections in
windows.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Magpie-larks feed mostly on insects and other invertebrates
such as earthworms and freshwater snails, and are common visitors
to Australian backyards, foraging on lawns and enjoying
the occasional treat of grated cheese.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Magpie-larks breed in monogamous pairs that tend to stay together
for life (though Michelle Hall’s study showed the occasional
divorce when a better option presented itself!). Males
and females share parental care, and may rear more than one
clutch over the breeding season. Most juveniles leave their natal
territory when they reach independence, though some remain
over winter. After leaving their natal territories, juveniles
join large semi-nomadic flocks until they form pairs and establish
their own territories.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Magpie-larks have adapted well to agricultural and urban environments
and are familiar to most Australians. They are welcome
residents in pastoral areas as they feed on freshwater
snails that are intermediate hosts for a liver-fluke that parasitizes
sheep and cattle.