Eurasian Magpie Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesEurasian Magpie
Adult
A medium-sized songbird with a very long tail. Predominantly black plumage interrupted by a white belly and white scapulars. In good light, the wings are blue to glossy green, and the long black tail—which makes up more than half an adult’s overall length—has a greenish sheen.
© Alexis Lours / Macaulay LibraryÎle-de-France, March 23, 2022Adult
In flight, note the large white patches in the short, rounded wings.
© Alexis Lours / Macaulay LibraryÎle-de-France, October 15, 2023Adult (Iberian)
A striking black-and-white bird with iridescent blue and green highlights and a very long tail.
© Josep del Hoyo / Macaulay LibraryAragón, August 26, 2017Not all videos have sound
Juvenile
Juvenile is duller than adult, with some bare skin around the eye.
© Christoph Moning / Macaulay LibraryHajdú-Bihar, June 12, 2010Adult
Often found in family groups or other small groups around farms and open country.
© Bruce Kerr / Macaulay LibraryScotland, November 10, 2013Adult (Iberian)
Primarily feeds on the ground, consuming insects, carrion, and other foods. Often walks or hops while foraging. Note the prominent white patches when the birds open their wings.
© Josep del Hoyo / Macaulay LibraryAragón, August 26, 2017Not all videos have sound
Flock
Plucks ticks and other parasites from cattle and sheep.
© Mª Leonor Santos / Macaulay LibraryPorto, November 01, 2020Adult (Iberian)
Calls loudly in response to cats and other predators.
© Carles Fabregat / Macaulay LibraryAragón, June 24, 2016Not all videos have sound
Adult (Iberian)
Opportunistic feeders that readily consume carrion when it is available. Often seen in family groups or other small groups.
© Josep del Hoyo / Macaulay LibraryCataluña, December 16, 2017Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesOriental Magpie
Adult
Oriental Magpie is very similar to Eurasian Magpie—they were once considered the same species. The best way to tell them apart is by range.
© John Clough / Macaulay LibraryHong Kong, October 19, 2022Similar SpeciesIberian Magpie
Adult
Iberian Magpie and Eurasian Magpie are the only two magpies found in Europe. Iberian Magpie’s brown back, black cap, light throat, and powder-blue wings and tail differentiate it from Eurasian Magpie.
© Miguel Rouco / Macaulay LibraryCastilla y León, February 21, 2020Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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