Scientific Name:
Pica pica
Common Name:
Magpie
Family:
Crows, Jays and Magpies: Corvidae
Summary:
The Magpie is a large and easily recognised member of the crow family with its glossy black and white plumage. The head, chest, neck, back and long tail are all an oily black with green and blue sheens to the colour. The belly is pure white, there are also white bands at the shoulders and rump. The bill is not particularly large for a crow.
Ecology:
Magpies flock together only towards the end of winter, at other times of year they mainly move around in ones or twos, or occasionally family groups. They have a varied diet feeding on whatever is available from seeds to carrion. They nest in trees building a dome twig nest.
Habitat:
Woodland, heath
Distribution:
Throughout England, Wales and Ireland. Distributed in Scotland but absent from western and nortjern parts.
Size:
45 cm