Silvery-throated Jay vs Eurasian Magpie

Cyanolyca argentigula compared with Pica pica

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Silvery-throated Jay Eurasian Magpie
Scientific Name Cyanolyca argentigula Pica pica
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Corvidae Corvidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 46.0 cm (18.1 in)
Wingspan 23.7 cm (9.3 in) 56.0 cm (22.0 in)
Weight 200.0 g (7.05 oz) 220.0 g (7.76 oz)
Diet -- Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval.
Clutch Size -- 2-8
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Silvery-throated Jay
Eurasian Magpie 46.0 cm
Wingspan
Silvery-throated Jay 23.7 cm
Eurasian Magpie 56.0 cm
Weight
Silvery-throated Jay 200.0 g
Eurasian Magpie 220.0 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Silvery-throated 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

Silvery-throated 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

Silvery-throated Jay

Eurasian Magpie

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

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Silvery-throated Jay

Least Concern

Eurasian Magpie

How to Tell Them Apart

Silvery-throated 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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