Rare Dalmatian magpie spotted at Brisbane park

It might look a bit weird to some people, bird watchers are in a flap over this unusual Aussie native found in a westside park.

This rare Dalmatian magpie was seen recently at the Sherwood Arboretum.

A rare speckled or “Dalmatian’’ magpie has been spotted at the Sherwood Arboretum, possibly the first such sighting in Brisbane, during a routine inspection by Council staff.

The magpie has a genetic colour mutation, known as leucism, which is similar to albinism. It is believed to be extremely rare.

Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservatory, Hugh Possingham, said the Arboretum was the perfect place for birdwatching and a favourite of the magpie.

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“On a good morning you can easily find 40 or more different species of birds,” Professor Possingham said.

“Magpies, as many of us can testify, are fiercely territorial and family groups raise and defend their territories together.

“Because they are abundant and widespread, a number of different mutations have been observed including albinism (whiter with eyes with reddish pupils), leucism (whiter with normal eye colour) and melanism (blacker).”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Arboretum staff were very excited by the discovery.

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“While speckled magpies have been observed in other parts of the country, we think this may well be the only place in Brisbane to record such a sighting,’’ Cr Schrinner said.

“The mottled maggie didn’t seem to understand what all the fuss was about though and was happily digging around for his dinner while our staff snapped his photograph.

“A similar-looking bird was seen at the Arboretum in 2017, so we can only hope he enjoyed his visit so much he decided to pop back in to say g’day.”

The magpie on the hunt for some food at the Sherwood Arboretum.

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The 15ha heritage-listed Sherwood Arboretum has a collection of more than 1000 native trees, making it an oasis for birdlife. more than 160 species of birds have been recorded in its grounds.

“Sherwood Arboretum is Brisbane’s first Arboretum devoted to Australian native trees, and alongside the City and Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-Tha it is one of the city’s most significant botanic collections,” he said.

Learn more about Sherwood Arboretum, including opening hours, by visiting www.brisbane.qld.gov.au