Eurasian Magpie vs Black-billed Magpie
Pica pica compared with Pica hudsonia
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Eurasian Magpie | Black-billed Magpie |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pica pica | Pica hudsonia |
| 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) | 40.6 cm (16.0 in) |
| Weight | 220.0 g (7.76 oz) | 176.75 g (6.23 oz) |
| Diet | Omnivorous — insects, grains, berries, carrion, eggs, and nestlings. Caches surplus food for later retrieval. | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-8 | 1-9 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Eurasian Magpie
Open woodland, farmland, hedgerows, parks, and gardens. Common in suburban and urban environments across Eurasia.
Song & Call Comparison
Eurasian Magpie
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.
Black-billed Magpie
Geographic Range & Migration
Eurasian Magpie
Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa. One of the most recognizable birds across the Palearctic region.
Black-billed Magpie
Conservation Status
Eurasian Magpie
Black-billed Magpie
How to Tell Them Apart
Eurasian Magpie
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.
Strong, straight black bill
Black-billed Magpie
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.
Black-billed Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie is a striking, long-tailed corvid of western North America, with bold black-and-white plumage and an iridescent blue-green sheen on the wings and tail. It inhabits open country with scattered trees, riparian woodlands, and suburban areas from Alaska south to California and east to the Great Plains. It is omnivorous, feeding on carrion, insects, fruits, seeds, and small vertebrates.