How to identify the Eurasian Magpie

To correctly identify the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

44-50 cm (including tail, which can be 20-30 cm)

Wingspan

52-62 cm

Weight

180-270 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have glossy black plumage on the head, neck, back, and breast, with a strong iridescent sheen of blue, green, and purple, particularly visible on the wings and tail in good light. The belly and flanks are pure white. The primary flight feathers are white with black tips, forming a prominent white patch on the wing when in flight or at rest. The long, graduated tail is black with a metallic green and bronze sheen.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Strong, conical, and pointed black beak.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of glossy black and pure white plumage, the long, graduated tail, and the iridescent sheens on the wings and tail are highly distinctive. The white primary patch is a key field mark.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, less iridescent black plumage, often with a brownish tinge. Their white areas may be slightly off-white, and their tails are shorter and less glossy, often appearing more pointed at the tip.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round, though wear and tear can make the iridescence appear less vibrant towards the end of the breeding season.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, though males tend to be slightly larger and have longer tails than females.

Key field marks

• Plumage Pattern. Look for the stark contrast of glossy black and pure white. The black areas (head, back, breast, tail) have a strong iridescent sheen (blue, green, purple) in good light. The belly and flanks are white.
• White Wing Patches. Observe the prominent white patches on the primary flight feathers, visible both at rest and especially in flight. This is a key identifier.
• Tail Length and Shape. Note the exceptionally long, graduated tail, which makes up a significant portion of its total length. The tail is black with metallic green and bronze iridescence.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its characteristic harsh, chattering calls ('chac-chac-chac' or 'shack-shack-shack'). They are often quite noisy.
• Flight Style. Observe its undulating flight pattern, with rapid wing beats followed by short glides. The long tail is very noticeable during flight.

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