Eurasian Magpie

Adults have a striking black and white plumage with contrasting pure white belly and scapular patches. The black areas on the wings and tail exhibit iridescent green and blue-violet sheens in good light. Sexes are visually similar, though males are slightly larger.

Black head, breast, and back contrasting with brilliant white belly and scapulars; very long black tail with iridescent blue and green sheen; white wing patches prominent in flight.

Length: 44-51 cm including the long tail; Wingspan: 52-60 cm; Weight: 200-250 g

A harsh, rapid, rattling chatter ('chack-chack') given when alarmed or excited.

Omnivorous; feeds on insects, small mammals, eggs, nestlings, carrion, seeds, and fruit, foraging mainly on the ground.

Open countryside with scattered trees, woodland edges, agricultural land, parks, and suburban gardens.

Non-migratory resident, though juveniles may disperse short distances.

Builds a large, distinctive domed stick nest high in trees, usually breeding from April onwards, laying 5-8 eggs.

Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) of North America, which is very similar in appearance but genetically distinct with a slightly different vocalization and range.

Acts as both predator and scavenger, helping to control invertebrate and small rodent populations while also consuming carrion.

Least Concern (LC) with stable population trends.

Easily spotted in open rural areas, farmlands, parks, and suburban gardens. They are quite conspicuous and often vocal.

Magpies are among the most intelligent birds on Earth and are one of the few non-mammal species known to pass the mirror self-recognition test.