Magpie Bird Facts (Pica pica)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Magpie is a striking bird with distinctive black and white plumage. Its head, neck, breast, and back are glossy black, contrasting sharply with the white belly and shoulder patches. The long tail and wings display an iridescent blue-green sheen in sunlight.

Both sexes look alike, although females are usually slightly smaller than males. Juveniles have a duller appearance, lacking the adults' glossy sheen and showing a shorter, less graduated tail.

Size

Length

44cm to 46cm

Wingspan

52cm to 60cm

Weight

200g to 250g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Blue Green

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Magpie can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Magpie can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Magpie is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Magpie is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Magpie can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Magpie can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Magpie is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Magpie is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Magpie is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Magpie is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Magpie is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Magpie is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Magpies are widely distributed across Europe, parts of North Africa, and Asia. They thrive in various habitats, including open woodland, farmland, parks, and urban areas. These adaptable birds are particularly common in human-modified landscapes.

In the UK, Magpies are resident year-round and can be found throughout England, Wales, and much of Scotland. They are less common in the northern parts of Scotland and some offshore islands.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Magpie. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Faroe Islands Lebanon Thailand

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Magpies display considerable agility with their swift, direct flight and ability to manoeuvre through various habitats. Their bouncing gait on the ground and skill in navigating both open spaces and wooded areas demonstrate their nimbleness.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

While not exceptionally strong for their size, Magpies possess moderate strength. Their ability to construct large, domed nests and defend territories suggests a reasonable level of physical prowess for a medium-sized bird.

Adaptability 90

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Magpies exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from woodlands to urban areas. Their omnivorous diet, opportunistic feeding habits, and success in human-modified landscapes underscore their highly adaptive nature.

Aggressiveness 70

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Magpies are known for their bold behaviour and willingness to approach human settlements. They vigorously defend their territories and nests, and their opportunistic feeding habits, including predation on other birds' eggs and nestlings, indicate a notable level of aggressiveness.

Endurance 65

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Magpies demonstrate good endurance in their daily activities, including foraging and territorial defence. Their ability to maintain stable populations across a wide range of habitats suggests moderate to good endurance, though they are not known for exceptional long-distance movements.

Diet

Magpies are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes various items such as insects, small mammals, birds' eggs, nestlings, seeds, and fruits. They also scavenge carrion and human food scraps in urban areas, showcasing their adaptability to different food sources.

Magpies almost always find their food on the ground, although they also raid nests and occasionally catch flying prey.

In times of plenty, Magpies exhibit a fascinating behaviour known as caching. They will bury excess food around their territory so they have something to eat when pickings are slim.

Behaviour

Magpies are highly intelligent and social birds. They are often seen in pairs or small family groups. They are known for their bold and curious natures and frequently approach human settlements.

These birds have a distinctive bouncing gait when walking on the ground and are skilled flyers, capable of swift, direct flight interspersed with glides.

Magpies are known to act aggressively toward other birds like Gulls and Sparrowhawks, and they will even harass other animals like squirrels at times. They can also dominate other birds at the bird table, especially if meaty foods are on offer.

Vocalisation

Magpies have a wide repertoire of vocalisations. Their most common call is a loud, harsh chattering 'chack-chack' or 'chacker'.

They also produce a variety of softer warbles and whistles, particularly during courtship. In flight, Magpies often give a rapid series of short, sharp calls.

Nesting & Breeding

Magpies typically form monogamous pairs and breed once a year. The breeding season usually begins in late March or early April. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including tail-fanning and bowing, to attract females.

Nests are large, domed structures made of twigs, often with a mud cup, lined with softer materials. They are usually built high in trees or tall bushes. Females lay 5-8 pale blue-green eggs with brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 21-22 days, primarily carried out by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 26-30 days but remain dependent on the parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

Magpies are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to their large range and stable population. However, they face threats from habitat loss and persecution in some areas due to misconceptions about their impact on other bird species.

Conservation efforts focus on public education and habitat preservation.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

22,500,000 - 57,000,000 individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Magpies in open woodland, parks, and gardens
Listen for their distinctive chattering call
Observe their bold behaviour around human settlements
Watch for their characteristic tail-wagging when perched
At times, the species gather in noisy flocks of 5-25 birds, known as magpie parliaments. In winter, it may roost in even larger flocks that can contain over 300 birds.
In the UK, participate in the RSPB's annual Big Garden Birdwatch to contribute to Magpie population data

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Eurasian Magpie, Common Magpie

Family:

Corvidae

Average Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Predators

Adult Magpies have few natural predators, but their eggs and nestlings are vulnerable to cats, foxes, and birds of prey such as Goshawks and Sparrowhawks.

Did You Know?

Magpies are among the most intelligent birds, capable of recognising themselves in mirrors.
They are known to hold 'funerals' for their dead, gathering around fallen comrades.
Contrary to popular belief, Magpies are not particularly attracted to shiny objects.
Magpies’ feet have three toes pointing toward and one point pointing backwards; this gives them an uneven, jerky motion when walking.

FAQs

Can you befriend a Magpie?

Magpies are shy and nervous birds. Wild individuals do not tame easily and will usually take off at the slightest hint of danger.

Are Magpies good or bad luck?

According to the old Magpie nursery rhyme, a single Magpie is an omen of bad luck, while two of these striking birds will bring joy. Some superstitious individuals still resort to amusing antics like saluting the birds to prevent misfortune.