Common Kingfisher vs Eurasian Magpie
Alcedo atthis compared with Pica pica
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Kingfisher | Eurasian Magpie |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alcedo atthis | Pica pica |
| Order | Coraciiformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae | Corvidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 17.0 cm (6.7 in) | 46.0 cm (18.1 in) |
| Wingspan | 25.0 cm (9.8 in) | 56.0 cm (22.0 in) |
| Weight | 36.0 g (1.27 oz) | 220.0 g (7.76 oz) |
| Diet | Small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Hunts from a low perch over water, diving headfirst … | Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval. |
| Clutch Size | 3-10 | 2-8 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
Common Kingfisher only
Eurasian Magpie only
None
Common Kingfisher
Clear, slow-flowing rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds with suitable perching and nesting banks. Requires clean water with good fish populations.
Eurasian Magpie
Open woodland, farmland, hedgerows, parks, and gardens. Common in suburban and urban environments across Eurasia.
Song & Call Comparison
Common Kingfisher
A sharp, penetrating 'chee' whistle given in flight, often the first indication of its presence. Short, shrill single note as it darts low over rivers. Contact call is a rippling …
Eurasian Magpie
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.
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Kingfisher
Widespread across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Northern populations migrate south in winter.
Eurasian Magpie
Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa. One of the most recognizable birds across the Palearctic region.
Conservation Status
Common Kingfisher
Eurasian Magpie
How to Tell Them Apart
Common Kingfisher
Brilliant electric blue upperparts and orange underparts. Blue-green crown with darker barring. White throat patch and cheek spots. A flash of blue in flight.
Long, straight, dagger-like dark bill — orange base on the lower mandible in females
Eurasian Magpie
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.
Strong, straight black bill
About These Birds
Common Kingfisher
The common kingfisher is a dazzling jewel of waterways, its iridescent blue plumage caused by light refraction in the feather structure rather than pigment. These birds inspired the design of the Shinkansen bullet train in Japan — the shape of their bill was copied to reduce sonic booms when trains exit tunnels.
Eurasian Magpie
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.