Purplish Jay vs Eurasian Magpie
Cyanocorax cyanomelas compared with Pica pica
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Purplish Jay | Eurasian Magpie |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cyanocorax cyanomelas | Pica pica |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae | Corvidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | 46.0 cm (18.1 in) |
| Wingspan | 37.5 cm (14.8 in) | 56.0 cm (22.0 in) |
| Weight | 201.5 g (7.11 oz) | 220.0 g (7.76 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval. |
| Clutch Size | 2-6 | 2-8 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Purplish Jay
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
Purplish Jay
Eurasian Magpie
Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa. One of the most recognizable birds across the Palearctic region.
Conservation Status
Purplish Jay
Eurasian Magpie
How to Tell Them Apart
Purplish Jay
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
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.