Eurasian Magpie
Pica pica
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<birdfyi-bird slug="eurasian-magpie"></birdfyi-bird>About
The Eurasian magpie is one of the most intelligent animals on Earth and the first non-mammal demonstrated to recognize itself in a mirror. These bold corvids build elaborate domed nests of sticks and have a well-known attraction to shiny objects, though this reputation may be exaggerated.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 46.0 cm | 18.1 in |
| Wingspan | 56.0 cm | 22.0 in |
| Weight | 220.0 g | 7.76 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Bold black and white pattern with iridescent blue-green gloss on the wings and long graduated tail. White scapulars and flanks contrast with the black body.
Bill
Strong, straight black bill
Habitat & Range
Open woodland, farmland, hedgerows, parks, and gardens. Common in suburban and urban environments across Eurasia.
Geographic Range
Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa. One of the most recognizable birds across the Palearctic region.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: DM. Incubation: 21-22 days. Fledging: 24-30 days.
Clutch Size
2-8
Sound
Song
A harsh, rapid chattering 'chach-chach-chach'. Also gives a variety of whistles and clucking notes. Known to mimic other birds and sounds. Very vocal in pairs.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes (Songbirds) |
| Family | Corvidae (Crows, Jays & Magpies) |
| Genus | Pica |
| Species | Pica pica |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Elster |
| Spanish | Urraca Euroasiática |
Distribution
Eurasian Magpie has been recorded in 7 countries.
{# Distribution Map — simplified SVG world map with highlighted countries. Expects `country_codes` variable: list of ISO alpha-2 codes (e.g. ["US", "CA", "MX"]). Uses Alpine.js to toggle classes on country paths. #}countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Eurasian Magpie eat?
Where does the Eurasian Magpie live?
Is the Eurasian Magpie endangered?
How does the Eurasian Magpie nest?
What does the Eurasian Magpie sound like?
How big is the Eurasian Magpie?
What order and family does the Eurasian Magpie belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Corvidae family