Eurasian Magpie vs Eurasian Jay

Pica pica compared with Garrulus glandarius

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Eurasian Magpie Eurasian Jay
Scientific Name Pica pica Garrulus glandarius
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Corvidae Corvidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 46.0 cm (18.1 in)
Wingspan 56.0 cm (22.0 in) 36.2 cm (14.3 in)
Weight 220.0 g (7.76 oz) 161.33333333333334 g (5.69 oz)
Diet Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval. --
Clutch Size 2-8 3-10
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Eurasian Magpie 46.0 cm
Eurasian Jay
Wingspan
Eurasian Magpie 56.0 cm
Eurasian Jay 36.2 cm
Weight
Eurasian Magpie 220.0 g
Eurasian Jay 161.33333333333334 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Eurasian Magpie only

None

Eurasian Jay only

Eurasian Magpie

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

Song & Call Comparison

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.

Eurasian Jay

Geographic Range & Migration

Eurasian Magpie

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

Eurasian Jay

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Eurasian Magpie

Least Concern

Eurasian Jay

How to Tell Them Apart

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

Eurasian Jay

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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