The Eurasian magpie is a bold, black-and-white member of the crow family found across Europe and Asia. It is highly intelligent and adaptable, and features in folklore across many cultures.
Interesting facts
- Its black feathers shine with iridescent blue, green and purple.
- Despite folklore, a study found magpies are actually wary of shiny objects rather than attracted to them.
- Magpies build large, domed nests of sticks.
- The old rhyme ‘One for sorrow, two for joy’ is about magpies.
- Magpies hide food and remember where they put it.
- Groups sometimes gather around a dead magpie, behaviour that has been compared to a funeral.
Behaviour
Magpies live in pairs that defend territories year-round, while young birds gather in flocks. They are noisy, with a harsh chattering call.
Breeding and young
Pairs lay five to eight eggs in a domed stick nest. The female incubates them while the male brings food.
Threats and conservation
The species is common and widespread.
Where to see it
- Farmland, parks and gardens across Europe
- Towns and cities across Asia
- Grassland and woodland edges
- Almost any open landscape with some trees
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
