Can you legally kill Magpies?

Gun laws prevent shooting of magpies close to public roads and houses. We are not opposed to legal, site-specific control of magpies, nor to the legal use of Larsen or other cage traps, as long as the general licence conditions are strictly adhered to.

Can you kill starlings in NZ?

Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act specifies many unprotected bird species that can be hunted at will (and with lead shot) including species such as canada geese, starlings, magpies, spur-winged plovers, even black-back seagulls.

Are Magpies a pest in NZ?

Magpies are considered the most aggressive birds in New Zealand and attack anything that poses a threat to their territory, particularly during breeding season. The magpie is classified as a pest but landowners are responsible for their control and regional councils only provide advice.

Are Magpies related to crows?

Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of oscine passerine birds that contains the crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers. In common English, they are known as the crow family, or, more technically, corvids. Currently 133 species are included in this family.

How did Magpies arrive in New Zealand?

The black-and-white Australian magpie is a common and conspicuous inhabitant of open country throughout much of New Zealand. It was introduced from Australia and Tasmania by Acclimatisation Societies between 1864 and 1874, mainly to control insect pests.

Do NZ Magpies swoop?

Magpies usually swoop from behind, just clearing the top of your head. Some may strike the top of your head or ears with their beak or claws. Particularly aggressive magpies can attack from any angle and should be reported to the ACT Parks and Conservation Service as soon as possible.

What time of year do Magpies swoop?

Magpie swooping season tends to occur between August and October each year, however, each magpie pair will only swoop for around six weeks. There are a few tactics you can employ to try and ease the stress. The main tactic is to avoid any areas that you know have swooping magpies.

Can Magpies kill you?

Magpie attacks can cause injuries, typically wounds to the head. Being unexpectedly swooped while cycling can result in loss of control of the bicycle, which may cause injury or even fatal accidents.

How do I get rid of magpies in my garden?

Deterrents for magpies

1. Half-full plastic bottles or CDs hung up in trees to scare the predators away. Magpies don’t like the way light reflects from the surface.
2. GuardnEyes scarecrow balloon, available from Dazer UK.
3. It may be possible to deter them by playing a tape of a crow or rook distress call.

What food kills Magpies?

Raw meat, cheese and bread off the menu Brisbane bird and exotic animal vet Deborah Monks said raw meat and mince, although popular, did the most damage to magpie health. “I wouldn’t recommend raw mince on its own because it doesn’t have enough calcium in it,” she said.