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Magpie-larks are bold and confiding, and forage for insects and other food items in open grassy areas. They are common and very much at home in the suburbs and city. Usually seen in pairs, they are strongly territorial, males sometimes attacking their own reflections in car mirrors, hub caps and house windows. When nesting, people may be attacked. Adult pairs call in a duet and perform ritualised wing raising.

Magpie-larks are seen regularly throughout the year, although in spring some birds move away from gardens to breed. In autumn they sometimes congregate in large flocks.

Overall numbers, as well as breeding records, have increased considerably over the duration of the survey.

Nesting mostly begins in September and is usually finished by the end of December. Dependent young are seen from late November to late March. The full breeding cycle can take up to 17 weeks, but some pairs may raise two broods in the one summer. R=5. BR=5.
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