Pl. LXXV
The Birds · Plate LXXV
Eurasian Magpie
Pica pica
Corvidae · Taxon 891696
| Length | 46–50 cm |
| Wingspan | 52–62 cm |
| Weight | 185–268 g |
Field marks
- Bold black-and-white plumage with a white belly and scapular patches
- Dark wings and tail show iridescent blue-green or violet gloss
- Very long, graduated tail makes up more than half the adult’s length
- Short, rounded wings reveal large white primary patches in flight
- Stout, straight black bill and dark-brown eye
- Black legs and feet
HabitatOpen and semiopen landscapes with scattered trees, including farmland, woodland edges, parks, gardens, and other developed areas. Generally avoids dense forest, extensive wetlands, and treeless country.
BehaviorConspicuous, intelligent ground-foraging omnivore; walks and hops with the tail often raised, caches food, gives harsh alarm chatter, and commonly travels in pairs, family parties, or larger roosting groups. Flight is usually low, with rapid wingbeats alternating with glides.
Palette
glossy blackclean whiteiridescent bluemetallic greenviolet