Eurasian Magpie vs Large-spotted Nutcracker

Pica pica compared with Nucifraga multipunctata

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Eurasian Magpie Large-spotted Nutcracker
Scientific Name Pica pica Nucifraga multipunctata
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) 41.2 cm (16.2 in)
Weight 220.0 g (7.76 oz) 170.83333333333334 g (6.03 oz)
Diet Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval. --
Clutch Size 2-8 3-4
Population Trend — —

Size Comparison

Body Length
Eurasian Magpie 46.0 cm
Large-spotted Nutcracker —
Wingspan
Eurasian Magpie 56.0 cm
Large-spotted Nutcracker 41.2 cm
Weight
Eurasian Magpie 220.0 g
Large-spotted Nutcracker 170.83333333333334 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Eurasian Magpie only

None

Large-spotted Nutcracker 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.

Large-spotted Nutcracker

Geographic Range & Migration

Eurasian Magpie

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

Large-spotted Nutcracker

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Eurasian Magpie

Least Concern

Large-spotted Nutcracker

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

Large-spotted Nutcracker

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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