The Eurasian magpie or common magpie (Pica pica) is a resident breeding bird throughout the northern part of the Eurasian continent. It is one of several birds in the crow family (corvids) designated magpies, and belongs to the Holarctic radiation of "monochrome" magpies.

In European culture, the magpie is reputed to collect shiny objects such as wedding rings and other valuables, a well known example being Rossini's opera La Gazza Ladra (The Thieving Magpie).

The Eurasian Magpie’s bold patterns and brash behavior make it one of Europe and Asia’s most instantly recognizable birds. In strong light, this black-and-white bird shimmers with exquisite metallic-blue wings and a long, glossy green tail.

The poor bird’s name is loaded with mythical connotation, but the magpie’s true marvel comes from its natural ability. The common magpie is one of the most intelligent birds—and one of the most intelligent animals to exist. Their brain-to-body-mass ratio is outmatched only by that of humans and equals that of aquatic mammals and great ...

The Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) is one of several birds in the crow family (corvids) designated magpies, and belongs to the Holarctic radiation of "monochrome" magpies. In Europe, "magpie" is used by English speakers as a synonym for the Eurasian magpie: the only other magpie in Europe is the Iberian magpie .

Jul 11, 2023 · The European Magpie, also Eurasian Magpie and Common Magpie (Pica pica), is a resident breeding bird throughout Europe, much of Asia and northwest Africa. It is one of several birds in the crow family named as magpies, and belongs to the Holarctic radiation of “monochrome” magpies.

Learn more about Eurasian Magpie from… Take Merlin with you in the field! Free, global bird ID and field guide app powered by your sightings and media. Common and conspicuous, this flashy, long-tailed crow relative is unmistakable, and its loud chattering calls are …

Nov 7, 2023 · The Eurasian Magpie's range stretches across all of Eurasia, from the British Isles and Spain to Anadyr in the far east of Russia. All of Europe is occupied, from the Mediterranean to northern Scandinavia.

The Eurasian Magpie’s bold patterns and brash behavior make it one of Europe and Asia’s most instantly recognizable birds. In strong light, this black-and-white bird shimmers with exquisite metallic-blue wings and a long, glossy green tail.

Eurasian Magpies have a bad name because they are regarded as nest robbers. They are omnivores, and during the breeding season the percentage of animal food increases. But even then, only a very small percentage of their food consists of eggs and young birds of other species.