FaunaHub

Magpie (Pica pica and relatives)

BirdCorvidHighly intelligent

Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) with its black-and-white plumage and long tail.

Eurasian magpie (Pica pica).

Image: Alexis Lours, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

The magpie is a bold, intelligent member of the crow family (Corvidae), best known in the form of the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) — a striking black-and-white bird with a long, iridescent tail. “Magpie” is used for several species; this profile uses the Eurasian magpie as the reference.

Magpies are among the most intelligent of all birds, with strong problem-solving abilities and complex social lives, and they adapt readily to landscapes shared with people.

Conservation note: the Eurasian magpie is widespread and common across its range and is not of conservation concern, though other magpie species vary. Verify specifics at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Eurasian magpies range across much of Europe, temperate Asia, and into North Africa, in open and semi-open country — farmland, grassland, woodland edges, parks, and towns. They do well around people and are a familiar urban and suburban bird.

Diet

Magpies are omnivores with a broad, opportunistic diet: insects and other invertebrates, seeds and fruit, scraps, carrion, and sometimes eggs or nestlings of other birds. This flexibility helps them thrive in many environments, including cities.

Behavior

Magpies are social and vocal, often seen in pairs or small groups, and are known for bold, curious behaviour. They are noted for advanced cognition — including being among the few animals reported to respond to their reflection in mirror tests — and they build large, domed stick nests. Contrary to popular belief, evidence does not support the idea that magpies are unusually attracted to shiny objects.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Magpies are common around people and feature widely in folklore. They are sometimes regarded as pests where they take crops or other birds' eggs, but they are also valued as intelligent, adaptable urban wildlife. For current status and any regional concerns, consult authoritative sources.

More photos of the magpie

Eurasian magpie perched, showing its iridescent wing and tail feathers.

Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), Spain.

Image: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Magpie

Are magpies related to crows?
Yes. Magpies are members of the crow family, Corvidae, which also includes crows, ravens, jays, and jackdaws. Like their relatives, magpies are highly intelligent and adaptable.
Do magpies really steal shiny things?
This is largely a myth. Despite the popular belief and folklore, research has not found that magpies are unusually attracted to shiny objects; if anything, novel objects can make them wary. The reputation is more cultural than factual.
What do magpies eat?
Magpies are omnivores, eating insects and other invertebrates, seeds, fruit, scraps, and carrion, and sometimes the eggs or chicks of other birds. Their varied diet suits a wide range of habitats.
Is there more than one kind of magpie?
Yes. "Magpie" refers to several species. The Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) is the classic example used here, but there are other Pica magpies and, separately, the unrelated Australian magpie, which belongs to a different family.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.