Bushy-crested Jay vs Eurasian Magpie

Cyanocorax melanocyaneus compared with Pica pica

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Bushy-crested Jay Eurasian Magpie
Scientific Name Cyanocorax melanocyaneus Pica pica
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Corvidae Corvidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 46.0 cm (18.1 in)
Wingspan 27.2 cm (10.7 in) 56.0 cm (22.0 in)
Weight 101.45 g (3.58 oz) 220.0 g (7.76 oz)
Diet -- Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval.
Clutch Size 3-4 2-8
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Bushy-crested Jay
Eurasian Magpie 46.0 cm
Wingspan
Bushy-crested Jay 27.2 cm
Eurasian Magpie 56.0 cm
Weight
Bushy-crested Jay 101.45 g
Eurasian Magpie 220.0 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Bushy-crested Jay only

Eurasian Magpie only

None

Eurasian Magpie

Open woodland, farmland, hedgerows, parks, and gardens. Common in suburban and urban environments across Eurasia.

Song & Call Comparison

Bushy-crested Jay

Eurasian Magpie

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.

Geographic Range & Migration

Bushy-crested Jay

Eurasian Magpie

Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa. One of the most recognizable birds across the Palearctic region.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Bushy-crested Jay

Least Concern

Eurasian Magpie

How to Tell Them Apart

Bushy-crested Jay

Eurasian Magpie

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

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.

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