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Project Noah Nature School
Grallina cyanoleuca
The name Magpie-lark is quite misleading, as the species has no link with either the magpies or the larks. Magpie-larks build an unusual mud nest and generally breed from August to December (though may occasionally breed outside this time). 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 duties and care for the young. If conditions are favourable, more than one brood may be reared in a year.
This nest was on a branch that was overhanging a small pond.
Spotted on Nov 18, 2012
Submitted on Nov 18, 2012
2 Comments
Thanks for the pictorial explanations of the differences, this is what we like to see.
Picture 1 is mum (can't tell #2) but 3,4,5 are dad. You can tell from the black markings around the eyes, with the male they connect all the way to the black that runs down the back of the head.