Species Profile
Magpie
Pica pica
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–5 years
Length
44–46 cm
Weight
200–250 g
Wingspan
52–60 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Eurasian Magpie, Common Magpie
Think you've spotted a Magpie?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Magpie is a striking bird with distinctive black and white plumage. Its head, neck, breast, and back are glossy black, contrasting sharply with the white belly and shoulder patches. The long tail and wings display an iridescent blue-green sheen in sunlight.
Both sexes look alike, although females are usually slightly smaller than males. Juveniles have a duller appearance, lacking the adults' glossy sheen and showing a shorter, less graduated tail.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Blue
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Magpies are widely distributed across Europe, parts of North Africa, and Asia. They thrive in various habitats, including open woodland, farmland, parks, and urban areas. These adaptable birds are particularly common in human-modified landscapes.
In the UK, Magpies are resident year-round and can be found throughout England, Wales, and much of Scotland. They are less common in the northern parts of Scotland and some offshore islands.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Cambridgeshire
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
Gloucestershire
East Sussex
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
West Midlands
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Magpies are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes various items such as insects, small mammals, birds' eggs, nestlings, seeds, and fruits. They also scavenge carrion and human food scraps in urban areas, showcasing their adaptability to different food sources.
Magpies almost always find their food on the ground, although they also raid nests and occasionally catch flying prey.
In times of plenty, Magpies exhibit a fascinating behaviour known as caching. They will bury excess food around their territory so they have something to eat when pickings are slim.
Behaviour
Magpies are highly intelligent and social birds. They are often seen in pairs or small family groups. They are known for their bold and curious natures and frequently approach human settlements.
These birds have a distinctive bouncing gait when walking on the ground and are skilled flyers, capable of swift, direct flight interspersed with glides.
Magpies are known to act aggressively toward other birds like Gulls and Sparrowhawks, and they will even harass other animals like squirrels at times. They can also dominate other birds at the bird table, especially if meaty foods are on offer.
Calls & Sounds
Magpies have a wide repertoire of vocalisations. Their most common call is a loud, harsh chattering 'chack-chack' or 'chacker'.
They also produce a variety of softer warbles and whistles, particularly during courtship. In flight, Magpies often give a rapid series of short, sharp calls.
Nesting & Breeding
Magpies typically form monogamous pairs and breed once a year. The breeding season usually begins in late March or early April. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including tail-fanning and bowing, to attract females.
Nests are large, domed structures made of twigs, often with a mud cup, lined with softer materials. They are usually built high in trees or tall bushes. Females lay 5-8 pale blue-green eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 21-22 days, primarily carried out by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 26-30 days but remain dependent on the parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation
Magpies are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to their large range and stable population. However, they face threats from habitat loss and persecution in some areas due to misconceptions about their impact on other bird species.
Conservation efforts focus on public education and habitat preservation.
Elevation
Up to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Magpies have few natural predators, but their eggs and nestlings are vulnerable to cats, foxes, and birds of prey such as Goshawks and Sparrowhawks.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Magpies in open woodland, parks, and gardens
- Listen for their distinctive chattering call
- Observe their bold behaviour around human settlements
- Watch for their characteristic tail-wagging when perched
- At times, the species gather in noisy flocks of 5-25 birds, known as magpie parliaments. In winter, it may roost in even larger flocks that can contain over 300 birds.
- In the UK, participate in the RSPB's annual Big Garden Birdwatch to contribute to Magpie population data
Did You Know?
- Magpies are among the most intelligent birds, capable of recognising themselves in mirrors.
- They are known to hold 'funerals' for their dead, gathering around fallen comrades.
- Contrary to popular belief, Magpies are not particularly attracted to shiny objects.
- Magpies’ feet have three toes pointing toward and one point pointing backwards; this gives them an uneven, jerky motion when walking.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Magpie
Upload a PhotoRelated Articles
What Do Magpies Eat? (Complete Guide)
18 Mar 2022
What is a Group of Magpies Called? (Complete Guide)
5 Dec 2021
Black and White Birds in the UK (Identification Guide)
13 Mar 2022
Magpie Nesting (All You Need To Know)
19 Apr 2022
Crows in the UK: Complete Guide to 8 Species
27 Jul 2022
Crows: What They Eat and How They Find Their Food
<ul><li>Crows are omnivorous and highly adaptable, consuming a diverse diet including insects, fruits, small animals, carrion, and human leftovers, depending on their environment.</li><li>Known for their intelligence, crows use tools and complex methods to find and access food, and they can recognize and remember humans who feed them regularly.</li><li>In natural habitats, crows feed on a variety of insects, small animals, fruits, and nuts, but in urban areas, they often scavenge for garbage, human food, and pet food.</li><li>While feeding crows can lead to a reciprocal relationship, it's important to consider ethical aspects, as overdependence on human-provided food may disrupt natural behaviors and local ecosystems.</li></ul>
22 Nov 2021
Identify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species