Magpie

Pica pica

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75 recent observations

Brief #

A distinctive, long-tailed black and white bird, often encountered in loud groups.

Sounds #

Call

Synonyms #

  • Pega rabilonga (Galician)

Red List Status #

The Magpie is unlikely to become extinct in the near future.
Find out more about IUCN's Red List program here

Description #

Head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen; the belly and scapulars (shoulder feathers) are pure white; the wings are black glossed with green or purple, and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish purple. The legs and bill are black; the iris is dark brown. Sexes are similar but females are slightly smaller. The tail feathers of both sexes are quite long.

Measurements #

Length: 44 - 46 cm
Wingspan: 52 - 62 cm
Weight: 182 - 272 g

Similar species #