Magpie
A magpie in the grounds of Africa Alive in Suffolk.
Magpies are in fact, noisy chattering small crows and their challenging, almost arrogant attitude has won them few friends.
A black and white bird with a long tail, 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.
The bird is between 17.3 to 18.1 in. (44 to 46 cm) in length with a wingspan of between 20.5 to 23.6 in. (52 to 60 cm), and weigh from 7 to 8.8 oz. (200 to 250 g).
Magpies can be found across England, Wales and N. Ireland, but more localised in Scotland, and absent from the Highlands. They are seen in a range of habitats from lowland farmland to upland moors.
The bird seem to be jacks of all trades, scavengers, predators and pest destroyers. They are omnivorous, feeding on young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain, and other vegetable substances
Magpies prefer tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. In British, Italian and French folklore, magpies are believed to have a penchant for picking up shiny items, particularly precious stones or metal objects to decorate the nest.
Mating takes place in spring and clutches are typically laid in April usually contain five or six eggs, but clutches with as few as three and as many as ten have been recorded. The eggs are incubated for 21–22 days by the female and the chicks fledge at around 27 days. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. A chick can expect to have an average lifespan of 5 years.
Non-breeding birds will gather together in flocks.
Along with other corvids such as ravens, jackdaws and crows, the magpie is believed to be not only among the most intelligent of birds, but also among the most intelligent of all animals.
Folklore surrounds the magpie, from providing good luck when greeted, to being in league with the Devil, its ubiquitous presence has provided plenty of opportunities for stories. Many surround religion, including the belief that it didn't mourn with all the other birds at Christ's crucifixion, and that it refused to enter Noah's Ark, preferring to stay on the roof and 'swear' for the whole journey.
There is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers, so the species is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being of 'Least Concern'.
Magpie
A magpie in the grounds of Africa Alive in Suffolk.
Magpies are in fact, noisy chattering small crows and their challenging, almost arrogant attitude has won them few friends.
A black and white bird with a long tail, 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.
The bird is between 17.3 to 18.1 in. (44 to 46 cm) in length with a wingspan of between 20.5 to 23.6 in. (52 to 60 cm), and weigh from 7 to 8.8 oz. (200 to 250 g).
Magpies can be found across England, Wales and N. Ireland, but more localised in Scotland, and absent from the Highlands. They are seen in a range of habitats from lowland farmland to upland moors.
The bird seem to be jacks of all trades, scavengers, predators and pest destroyers. They are omnivorous, feeding on young birds and eggs, small mammals, insects, scraps and carrion, acorns, grain, and other vegetable substances
Magpies prefer tall trees for their bulky nest, firmly attaching them to a central fork in the upper branches. In British, Italian and French folklore, magpies are believed to have a penchant for picking up shiny items, particularly precious stones or metal objects to decorate the nest.
Mating takes place in spring and clutches are typically laid in April usually contain five or six eggs, but clutches with as few as three and as many as ten have been recorded. The eggs are incubated for 21–22 days by the female and the chicks fledge at around 27 days. On average, only 3 or 4 chicks survive to fledge successfully. A chick can expect to have an average lifespan of 5 years.
Non-breeding birds will gather together in flocks.
Along with other corvids such as ravens, jackdaws and crows, the magpie is believed to be not only among the most intelligent of birds, but also among the most intelligent of all animals.
Folklore surrounds the magpie, from providing good luck when greeted, to being in league with the Devil, its ubiquitous presence has provided plenty of opportunities for stories. Many surround religion, including the belief that it didn't mourn with all the other birds at Christ's crucifixion, and that it refused to enter Noah's Ark, preferring to stay on the roof and 'swear' for the whole journey.
There is no evidence of any serious overall decline in numbers, so the species is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being of 'Least Concern'.