Kingdom : Animalia Class : Aves Family : Corvidae Scientific Name : Pica Pica Size(L) : 40cm - 46cm (16in - 18in) Wing Span : 52cm - 60cm (20in - 24in) Weight : 200g - 250g (7oz - 9oz) Top Speed : 32km/h (20mph) Life Span : 8 - 15 years Colour : Black, White Skin Type : Feathers Distinctive Features : Black and white markings and long wedge-shaped tail
- Magpies are small-medium sized birds found all across the world except the Americas and Antarctica.
- Distinctively, they have black and white markings with a long wedge-shaped tail.
- They are very closely related to crows.
- There are around 15 species of magpies found in the world.
- Depending on the species, they differ in size but generally grow to be around 50cm long.
- They are exceptionally intelligent birds which are able to sense danger quickly.
- Though they are dominant and curios by nature, they are also quite secretive when in danger.
- They have the unique ability of mimicking other birds’ calls.
- They have large wings but are not keen on long flights, rather they tend to be close to cover.
- To protect themselves from their predators and to catch their prey, they hide in thick bushes and trees.
- They are omnivores, feeding on seed, fruits, nuts, eggs, insects, small reptiles and mammals.
- Their natural predators are foxes, dogs and cats.
- They mate during the spring and are known to have the same mating partner throughout their lives.
- The female magpie lays around 5 very small eggs, which hatch after 3 weeks.
- The magpie chicks are able to fledge and fend for themselves at 3-4 weeks.
- Interestingly, they are known to collect and stash shiny items like jewelry and plastic.
- In China, the sight of a magpie is said to bring good fortune and luck.
- In Europe though, they go by- One for sorrow, two for joy, as far as a magpie sighting is concerned.