The Diet and Habitats of Magpies

The magpie is a bird that is commonly seen in gardens and parks and is found abundantly in Australia. In order for the bird to survive, it must eat different type of foods and needs to be in the right habitat to search for sustenance.

  1. Habitat

    • Magpies live in plains areas or in parts of the outdoors where there aren't many trees. The open ground allows the birds to roost, build a nest and search for food.

    Recent Habitat Changes

    • Magpies also will form habitats in places where there is light shrubbery or coniferous plants, since this also is conducive to the magpie's omnivorous diet. Magpies have become urbanized and find their way to many public parks in cities due to the parks' open space and availability of lawn, which lends to the bird's foraging habits.

    Plants

    • Magpies will eat small plant foods, such as berries or seeds. These are often the items that have fallen from trees onto the ground where the magpies hunt for food.

    Insects and Reptiles

    • Magpies eat a considerable amount of insects, in particular the scarab beetle, an insect that can ruin the grass and leaves of a garden of lawn. Small lizards and frogs also make up the magpie's diet.

    Other Animals

    • Small mammals, such as rats or mice, along with roadkill such as squirrels or possums, are part of the magpie's diet, too. These birds also have been known to eat smaller birds or baby birds for nourishment.