Bird 🐦
🐦
Pica pica
| Size | 44–46 cm Similar to a crow but with a very long tail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 200–250 g About the weight of a large orange |
| Lifespan | 5 years |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | Sexes look identical |
| Habitat | Farmland, woodland edges, parks, gardens, roadsides |
| Best time | Year-round |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
Despite their reputation as thieves obsessed with shiny objects, scientific studies have shown magpies actually avoid novel shiny items — the myth has no basis in evidence
Despite their reputation as thieves obsessed with shiny objects, scientific studies have shown magpies actually avoid novel shiny items — the myth has no basis in evidence
More for experts
Magpies are one of the few non-mammal species to pass the mirror self-recognition test, suggesting a level of self-awareness rare outside great apes
Often confused with
Jay (brown-pink, blue wing flash), Jackdaw (grey nape, grey body)
Jay (brown-pink, blue wing flash), Jackdaw (grey nape, grey body)