Localization of soil dwelling scarab larvae by the black-backed magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham)

Black-backed magpies, Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham), were tested for their ability to localize their normal prey, soil dwelling scarab larvae, under a variety of experimental conditions. Olfactory and vibrotactile cues were found to be unimportant for localization. The bird was able to localize the larvae accurately by the sounds produced by their burrowing. Any movements on the surface of the substrate created by the activity of the larvae below could also be used for localization, though these cues are normally not available in the field.