Eurasian Magpie look-alikes
Pica pica
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Eurasian Magpie. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Black-billed Magpie
Pica hudsonia
Key differences
Found in North America. While very similar in appearance, the Black-billed Magpie is generally considered a distinct species, though some taxonomists previously grouped it as a subspecies of P. pica. Field identification is primarily by geographic range.
Oriental Magpie
Pica serica
Key differences
Found in East Asia. Formerly considered a subspecies of P. pica. It has a slightly longer tail and often more extensive white on the primaries than the Eurasian Magpie, but again, geographic range is the primary differentiator.
Azure-winged Magpie
Cyanopica cyanus
Key differences
Smaller, with a distinctive blue-grey back, azure-blue wings and tail, and a black cap. Lacks the prominent white belly and large white wing patches of the Eurasian Magpie.
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