Eurasian Magpie

Overview

Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) is a species of Crows, Jays (Corvidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). A striking black-and-white bird with a long iridescent tail; highly intelligent, one of the few animals that recognizes itself in a mirror; builds a large domed nest of sticks; common in towns and countryside.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Pica; binomial: Pica pica; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 40-51cm. Average lifespan: 10-15 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

MtDNA phylogeny suggests that Eurasian Magpie comprises several species including Oriental (Korean) Magpie P. serica, Maghreb Magpie P. mauritanica and Asir Magpie P. asirensis. Oriental (Korean) Magpie should be split to address paraphyly with Nearctic species (Lee et al. 2003).