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Magpie

Scientific name: Pica pica

Bird family: Crows

UK conservation status: Green

 

Key information

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.

 

What they eat: Omnivore and scavenger.

Measurements:

Length: 44-46cm

Wingspan: 52-60cm

Weight: 200-250g

Population:

UK breeding: 600,000 territories

 

Read more at www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a...

 

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Uploaded on November 25, 2018
Taken on November 2, 2018