Eurasian Magpie vs Southern Nutcracker

Pica pica compared with Nucifraga hemispila

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Eurasian Magpie Southern Nutcracker
Scientific Name Pica pica Nucifraga hemispila
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) 41.6 cm (16.4 in)
Weight 220.0 g (7.76 oz) 166.75 g (5.88 oz)
Diet Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval. --
Clutch Size 2-8 2-5
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Eurasian Magpie 46.0 cm
Southern Nutcracker
Wingspan
Eurasian Magpie 56.0 cm
Southern Nutcracker 41.6 cm
Weight
Eurasian Magpie 220.0 g
Southern Nutcracker 166.75 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Eurasian Magpie only

None

Southern Nutcracker only

Eurasian Magpie

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

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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.

Southern Nutcracker

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Geographic Range & Migration

Eurasian Magpie

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

Southern Nutcracker

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Eurasian Magpie

Least Concern

Southern Nutcracker

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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

Southern Nutcracker

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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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Related Comparisons

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