Eurasian Magpie

Striking black and white plumage with iridescent blue, green, and purple on the wings and tail. The head, breast, and back are black, while the belly and shoulder patches are pure white. Sexes are monomorphic (look similar).

Extremely long wedge-shaped tail, white wing patches (scapulars), and white belly against deep black body.

Length: 44-46 cm (including tail); Wingspan: 52-62 cm; Weight: 200-250 g.

A loud, harsh, rapid chattering 'chak-chak-chak-chak'. Also capable of quieter warbling and mimicking noises.

Omnivorous; eats insects, carrion, eggs, small mammals, seeds, fruits, and household scraps. Often hides food for later consumption.

Open woodland, agricultural land, urban parks, gardens, and meadows with tall trees for nesting.

Mainly residential; they rarely travel far from their birthplace throughout their lives.

Builds large, domed nests made of sticks in the tops of tall trees or thorny bushes. Lays 5-8 eggs; breeding occurs from March to June.

Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) of North America is nearly identical but found in a different geographic range. Distinguishable from other corvids by the long tail and white patches.

Acts as an opportunistic scavenger and predator, helping to control insect and small mammal populations; also serves as an important 'sentinel' bird through alarm calling.

Least Concern (IUCN); population is generally stable and widespread.

Look for them in open countryside with scattered trees, parks, and urban gardens. They are very vocal and easy to spot when flying across roads or perching on tall branches.

In many cultures, magpies are the subject of folklore and the 'Mirror Test' has suggested they are among the few non-mammal species capable of self-recognition.