With its noisy chattering, black-and-white plumage and long tail, there is nothing else quite like the magpie in the UK. When seen close-up its black plumage takes on an altogether more colourful hue with a purplish-blue iridescent sheen to the wing feathers, and a green gloss to the tail. Magpies seem to be jacks of all trades - scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers, their challenging, almost arrogant attitude has won them few friends. Non-breeding birds will gather together in flocks.
Key ID Features:
Completely unmistakeable medium sized corvid unlike any other in the UK.
Mainly black bodied as other crows but with bold white belly and shoulder patches.
The black wings and long tail can appear glossy blue, green or purple due to irridescence .
In flight the outer wing can be seen as dark edged white.
Overview
Scientific name: Pica pica.
Family: Crows and allies (Corvidae)
Where to see them:
Found across England, Wales and N Ireland, but more localised in Scotland, absent from the Highlands. Seen in a range of habitats from lowland farmland to upland moors.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Omnivore and scavenger.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
