All About Magpies - Magpie Facts & Information

About Magpies & their Black and White Plumage

'One for Sorrow, Two for joy' a song we all know and repeat anytime we see a Magpie. If there's just one, don't forget to salute the bird!

Almost identical to the Black Billed Magpie, the Eurasian Magpie has black plumage with an iridescent blue, purple, green gloss on its long tail and white under body, The Eurasian Magpie has a reputation in all parts of the world they live in. They are known for scavenging, reducing pests and predation, and for a lot of people, the thieving magpie is a pest in our gardens.

Magpies exhibit some interesting behaviours, including eating young birds, and this adds to the negative reputation surrounding these Corvids, along with many other species in the Corvid family.

As a member of the Crow family and closely related to the Carrion Crow, the Magpie is an incredibly intelligent bird. In fact, it is believed to be one of the most intelligent birds and has passed many tests put to it by researchers.

Young non breeding birds will form small flocks, and in the winter, adults may join these flocks. You'll often hear the chocking chatter (A 'chac chac' sound) of these birds.

Social Structure

Flocks and Social Behavior

Magpies are highly social birds, often seen in small family groups or larger flocks, particularly outside the breeding season. These birds are known for their complex social structures and sophisticated communication methods. They exhibit cooperative behaviours, such as mobbing predators to protect their nests and young. Magpies are also known for their playful interactions and can often be seen engaging in social activities like grooming each other and play-fighting.

Interaction with Other Species

Magpies interact with a variety of other species within their habitat. They are part of the larger corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, and jays. Magpies are known to be both competitive and cooperative with other bird species. They may compete for food and nesting sites, but they can also be seen engaging in mutualistic behaviours, such as mobbing together to ward off common predators. Magpies are opportunistic feeders and have been observed stealing food from other birds and animals, hence their reputation for thievery.

Common Names and Folklore

Magpies are rich in common names and folklore, which vary by region and culture. In the UK, they are often referred to simply as "Magpies," while in other parts of the world, they might be known as "pica" or "pie." Folklore surrounding Magpies is extensive and diverse, often portraying them as both omens and tricksters.

"One for Sorrow"

The "One for Sorrow" rhyme is one of the most well-known pieces of folklore associated with Magpies. This traditional British nursery rhyme assigns various meanings to the number of magpies seen together, often linking them to good or bad luck:

• One for sorrow,

• Two for joy,

• Three for a girl,

• Four for a boy,

• Five for silver,

• Six for gold,

• Seven for a secret, never to be told.

What Does the Eurasian Magpie Eat?

The Magpie is an opportunistic feeder. During the summer, the main part of their diet is insects such as beetles and earthworms, these insects are abundant during this time and sustain these birds.

During the colder months, Magpies rely more on seeds, fruits and refuse to keep them going. Magpies are also adept scavengers and frequently eat carrion, the remains of dead animals.

In some cases, Magpies will prey on nesting birds and feed on eggs and chicks.

Magpie Lifespan

The typical lifespan of Magpies is between three to six years. This really depends on predation, disease and food availability.

In the right conditions, however, Magpies can live much longer with some being recorded to live as long as 15 years in the wild.

Interaction with Humans

As highly adaptable and clever birds, Magpies have successfully integrated themselves into many urban environments. Commonly found in parks, gardens and cities, they take advantage of many human activities.

In these areas, Magpies are often found scavenging, feeding on human waste and leftovers.

Where Do Magpies Live

In nature, Magpies tend to inhabit open woodlands and forest edges a this is where they can both nest and have access to food resources.

They are common in agricultural areas and grasslands, where they benefit from the widespread presence of insects, small animals, and human activity that provides additional food sources.

Eurasian Magpies are highly adaptable and thrive in urban and suburban environments. They are frequently seen in parks, gardens, farmland and cities, where they scavenge for food and use buildings and other structures for nesting.

Magpie Breeding & Nesting Birds

The season begins for these birds in early spring, with new pairs forming around March time.

Usually, Magpies are monogamous and form long term bonds that can last several years. For those looking for a mate, courtship involves a variety of displays and calls. Males perform aerial displays and present the females with food. These activities help strengthen the pair bond and ensure synchronisation for breeding.

Magpie nests are built high in trees, bushes, shrubs and sometimes man made buildings. The male and female build the nest together, this is a process that can take several weeks. Their nests are large to protect from predators and harsh weathers.

The female typically lays between 5 to 8 bluish-green eggs that have brown speckles. The female incubates the eggs for about 16 to 21 days. During this time, the male provides food for her.

Once the chicks hatch, both parents are involved in feeding and caring for them. The chicks are fed a diet rich in insects and other small invertebrates, which provides the necessary protein for growth.

The young magpies fledge, or leave the nest, about 22 to 27 days after hatching. However, they remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks as they learn to forage and fend for themselves.

Five Facts about Magpies

1. Eurasian Magpies are one of the few non-mammal species that can recognize themselves in a mirror. This self-awareness was demonstrated in experiments where magpies noticed and attempted to remove colored stickers placed on their bodies in spots only visible through a mirror.

2. Magpies have a reputation for collecting shiny objects. While it's a bit of a myth that they steal shiny things like jewelry, they do have a natural curiosity and may collect items that catch their eye, such as bits of foil or glass, possibly to decorate their nests.

3. Magpies are skilled nest builders. Their nests are large and complex, often featuring a dome-like roof and an entrance on the side. They use a variety of materials including twigs, mud, and grass. Some nests even have multiple chambers, resembling small fortresses.

4. Magpies have a wide range of vocalisations and are capable mimics. They can imitate the calls of other birds and even some human-made sounds. Their vocal abilities make them one of the more communicative and entertaining birds to observe.

5. Magpies are known for their playful behaviour. They have been observed engaging in activities that seem to serve no practical purpose other than fun, such as sliding down smooth surfaces, playing with other Magpies, and even engaging in aerial acrobatics. This playful nature is a delight to witness and adds to their charm.