Many of the UK’s most common corvids – members of the crow family – sport all-black plumage, which can make identification a bit of a headache. But once you know what to look for, there are easy ways to tell the difference. And it’s worth making the effort, because what they lack in colour corvids definitely make up for in brain power – they’re some of the smartest animals on the planet and their entertaining antics are fascinating to watch!
Magpies can be heard making their noisy 'shak-shak-shak' all year round, and as other birds quieten down in the colder months, it becomes even easier to hear.
Similar size to a Woodpigeon. Body is black with an iridescent blue-green sheen to the black wings and long tail. Belly and outer half of wings are white. They have a fast and repetitive chatter like call. Magpies can either be solitary or gregarious throughout the year and during the breeding season they can be very territorial. May be seen in flocks of up to 100 or more outside of nesting season.
Magpies are opportunistic feeders. They eat, small vertebrates like mice, eggs and young birds, insects and earthworms, seeds, berries, waste, and carrion.
They nest in woodland edges, scrub, orchards and tall hedgerows, and in scattered trees or bushes in more open country.
March – June, some may start nest building in midwinter.
They have an average 5-year lifespan, the oldest ringed bird was 21 years old.
No, they are a resident species.
No, they are widespread in Britain and Ireland excluding some areas in northern Scotland and the Outer Isles.