Magpie

Pica pica

A long-tailed corvid with striking black and white plumage, the Magpie is one of the world's most intelligent birds and the source of many superstitions.

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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