Magpie
Least ConcernPica pica
Visual Identification
Magpie
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
years
The Magpie typically lives for 3 to 5 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
CorvidaePredators
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.
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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.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Pica pica (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T103727048A112300389.
View source - 3
report, 2008: EBCC/RSPB/BirdLife/Statistics Netherlands; P. Vorisek in litt.