The Eurasian magpie is a large black and white bird with a harsh, chattering call. It is considered a pest by many due to its predation of the eggs and nestlings of other species of birds, and is closely associated with a number of superstitions and omens. Despite this the magpie is highly intelligent with the ability to use tools, play games, and count.
Breeding pairs: 600,000 territories
Family: Crows, Jays, And Magpies
The magpie has a black back and rump with a metallic green and violet sheen, and large white shoulder patches (scapulars). The wings are iridescent, appearing metallic blue-green or purple, with white markings on the primaries that are visible when the wings are outstretched.
On the underparts, the belly is pure white, while the chest and vent are black. The long tail is iridescent blue-green with a glossy reddish-purple band near the tip. The head and neck are glossy black, the eyes are dark brown, and the bill, legs, and feet are black.
Male and female magpies are similar in appearance, though females are slightly smaller.
Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, less glossy plumage and shorter tails.
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Magpies breed in April and May, and raise one brood per season. They are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. During courtship, the male performs a display in which he rapidly raises and lowers his head feathers, fans his tail, and emits soft calls that are noticeably different from the usual chattering vocalisations.
Nests are built a few metres above the ground in tall trees, bushes, or hedgerows. Both the male and female take part in building the nest, which consists of a mud-lined bowl filled with twigs, grass, rootlets, and hair. This is enclosed within a large dome made from sturdier twigs, complete with two entrances. Nest construction usually takes about five to six weeks.
Magpies lay 4 to 9 greenish-grey or pale blue-green eggs, speckled with dark brown. The female incubates the eggs alone for 16 to 21 days, while the male brings her food.
Chicks are altricial and are fed by both parents. In the early days, the adults consume the nestlings’ faecal sacs, but as the chicks grow, they begin to defecate on the edge of the nest. The young fledge at around 25 to 29 days old, though they are still weak fliers and tend to remain hidden in vegetation while the parents continue to feed them for several more weeks.
Family groups usually stay together until autumn, and magpies reach sexual maturity at around two years of age.
Magpies are omnivorous scavengers with a varied diet. In spring and summer, they feed mainly on invertebrates such as beetles, flies, caterpillars, and worms. During winter, their diet shifts to include more plant material, such as fruit, berries, and grains. They also eat small mammals and, during breeding season, are known to take the eggs and chicks of other birds.
When food is scarce, magpies will hoard supplies by hiding food in holes in the ground, covering it with grass or leaves for later consumption.
Magpies can be found all over the UK except in the Highlands of Scotland. You will see them in farmlands, thickets, meadows, lightly wooded areas and towns and cities including parks and gardens.
Magpies are one of only a handful of animals that can recognise themselves in a mirror and the only species of bird to have demonstrated this ability.
One Response
Back in the 80’s magpies were just black and white no blue on the back. Does anyone know what species of black bird they were? All I see now are Eurasian Magpies.