Azure-winged Magpie look-alikes
Cyanopica cyanus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Azure-winged Magpie. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Eurasian Magpie
Pica pica
Key differences
The Eurasian Magpie is larger, has a much longer tail, and its plumage is predominantly black and white with iridescent green and purple sheens on the wings and tail. It lacks the distinct black cap and grey body of the Azure-winged Magpie, and its blue coloration is limited to iridescence, not a solid azure hue.
Iberian Magpie
Cyanopica cooki
Key differences
Until recently, the Iberian Magpie was considered a subspecies of the Azure-winged Magpie. The main difference is genetic, but morphologically, C. cooki (Iberian) tends to have a slightly duller blue on the wings and tail, and a slightly browner tone to its grey body compared to the East Asian C. cyanus. Field identification between the two is virtually impossible without knowing the geographic location.
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