Magpie-lark fact sheet – birrarik | Field of Mars EEC

What are magpie-larks?

Magpie-larks are black-and-white Australian birds often seen walking across lawns, sports fields, wetlands and muddy creek edges. Their scientific name is Grallina cyanoleuca. They are called birrarik by Darug Peoples of the Sydney Basin. Despite their name, magpie-larks are not true magpies or larks. They belong to a bird family called monarch flycatchers.

These birds are easy to recognise because of their bold black-and-white feathers, long legs and loud “pee-wee” calls. Male and female magpie-larks look similar, but the white markings around their face are slightly different. Students may notice them searching for insects on the ground, splashing in puddles or collecting mud to build nests.

Magpie-larks live across most of Australia and are common in parks, school grounds and bushland edges around Sydney. They adapt well to people and are often seen near wetlands, creeks and open grassy spaces in Field of Mars Reserve and Lane Cove National Park.

A male and female magpie-lark.

Magpie-larks often forage for prey along clear shorelines of creeks and lakes.

Where do magpie-larks live?

Magpie-larks live across most of mainland Australia and parts of Tasmania. They prefer open habitats near water, including wetlands, creeks, rivers, dams, flooded grasslands and muddy shorelines. These birds are also common in suburban parks, school ovals, gardens and golf courses because short grass makes it easier to find insects.

In Sydney, magpie-larks are often seen around Field of Mars Reserve, local stormwater wetlands and grassy areas beside creeks. They usually stay close to shallow water or damp ground where mud and insects are easy to find. Students may spot them walking quickly across lawns or perched on fences calling loudly to defend their territory.

Magpie-larks are often found near wetlands and open grassy areas.

What do magpie-larks eat?

Magpie-larks mainly eat insects and other small invertebrates. Their diet includes beetles, flies, caterpillars, worms, spiders and small crustaceans. They search for food by walking across the ground, stopping suddenly and quickly grabbing prey with their pointed bill.

These birds help control insect populations in parks, wetlands and farms. They often feed in pairs and may follow grazing animals or lawn mowers to catch disturbed insects. Around wetlands they also search muddy edges and shallow water for aquatic invertebrates.

Magpie-larks hunt insects by walking across open ground.

What do magpie-larks sound like?

Magpie-larks are famous for their loud “pee-wee” calls, which is why they are sometimes called pee-wees. Pairs often call together in a coordinated duet. One bird begins the call and the other answers almost immediately.

These calls help pairs defend their territory and stay in contact. Students may hear magpie-larks before seeing them, especially near wetlands, school grounds and open parks around Sydney.

Magpie-larks call, raise their wings and fan their tail to defend their territory.

What is the life cycle of magpie-larks?

Magpie-larks usually breed during spring and summer when insects are plentiful. Pairs work together to build a bowl-shaped nest made from mud, grass and plant material. The nest is often attached to a tree branch, fence or building ledge close to water.

Females usually lay 3–5 eggs. Both parents help incubate the eggs and feed the chicks after hatching. Young birds grow quickly and leave the nest after about three weeks, although the parents may continue feeding them for a short time afterwards.

Magpie-larks build strong mud nests for their eggs and chicks.

Young magpie-lark chicks calling for food as their parents approach the nest.

A male magpie-lark feeding his nestlings. Both parents feed their babies.

What adaptations do magpie-larks have to help them survive?

Magpie-larks have several adaptations that help them live successfully in open habitats. Their long legs allow them to walk and run quickly across mud, grass and shallow water while searching for insects. Their sharp pointed bill helps them catch small prey accurately.

Their black-and-white feathers may help with communication between birds, especially during territorial displays. Magpie-larks are also highly adaptable and can live close to people in towns and cities. Their strong mud nests harden as they dry, helping protect eggs and chicks from weather and predators.

Male magpie-larks have a black throat and a white eyebrow.

Female magpie-larks have a white throat and a black stripe through the eye.

Why are magpie-larks important?

Magpie-larks are important insect predators in Australian ecosystems. By eating insects and other small invertebrates, they help maintain balance in food webs and may reduce pest populations in parks, wetlands and farms.

These birds are also part of the diet of larger predators such as hawks, snakes and mammals. Their presence around wetlands and waterways can help show that local habitats still provide food, water and nesting areas for wildlife.

Magpie-larks help control insect populations in local ecosystems.

How can you help magpie-larks?

People can help magpie-larks by protecting wetlands, creeks and open grassy habitats. Leaving natural vegetation around waterways provides shelter, nesting areas and feeding sites for many birds and insects.

Students can also help by keeping rubbish out of waterways, avoiding disturbance near nests and planting native vegetation that supports insects and healthy ecosystems. Providing clean water in gardens and school grounds can also attract local birds safely.

Pair of magpie-larks enjoying a drink and bath in a raised bird bath.

Related fact sheets

More bird fact sheets

• Birds fact sheet – Learn about bird features, life cycles, habitats and adaptations.
• Willie wagtail fact sheet – Compare another active black-and-white bird that hunts insects on open ground.
• Australian magpie fact sheet – Explore another common territorial bird found in parks, gardens and school grounds.
• Noisy miner fact sheet – Learn about another noisy bird that defends its territory.

Habitats and ecosystems

• Field of Mars Reserve fact sheet – Learn about local bushland, creeks, wetlands and wildlife habitats.
• Ecosystems and environment fact sheets – Explore habitats including forests, mangroves, salt marshes and local bushland.
• Mangrove forest fact sheet – Discover muddy wetland habitats that support birds, crabs, insects and other wildlife.

Animals that share this habitat

• Dusky moorhen fact sheet – Find out about another bird that lives around wetlands and waterways.
• White ibis fact sheet – Learn about a large bird often seen feeding in wetlands, parks and urban areas.

Food webs and ecological relationships

• Insects fact sheet – Explore the animal group that provides food for magpie-larks and many other birds.
• Ant fact sheet – Learn about social insects that are part of many bird food webs.
• Fly fact sheet – Discover insects that recycle nutrients and provide food for birds.

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