Eurasian magpie
The Eurasian magpie is a widespread Eurasian corvid with black-and-white plumage, a long graduated tail, and iridescent wings and tail.
Corvidae: Corvidae is the bird family that includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. The Eurasian magpie belongs to this family of intelligent, adaptable birds.
Omnivore: An omnivore is an organism that eats both animal and plant material. Magpies take prey and carrion as well as seeds, fruit, and human food.
Iberian magpie: The Iberian magpie is a distinct Pica species native to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of East Asia. It resembles the Eurasian magpie but has a different range and taxonomy.
Magpie folklore: Magpie folklore comprises traditional beliefs and customs associated with magpies in different cultures. Its conspicuous appearance and calls made it a recurring figure in European superstition.
Pica: Pica is a genus of long-tailed magpies in the crow family. The Eurasian magpie is the genus’s widespread Old World member.
Corvid intelligence: Corvid intelligence is the advanced learning, memory, and problem-solving shown by members of the crow family. Flexible foraging and social behavior place the magpie among notable corvid thinkers.
Oriental magpie: The Oriental magpie is an East Asian species of Pica with black-and-white plumage and a long tail. Its close resemblance highlights the geographic diversity of true magpies.
One for Sorrow: “One for Sorrow” is a traditional counting rhyme that assigns omens to the number of magpies seen. The rhyme preserves a familiar strand of British magpie superstition.
Bird plumage: Bird plumage is the covering of feathers that shapes a bird’s appearance and serves insulation, display, and flight. Its black-and-white pattern and iridescence come from different properties of its feathers.
Mobbing (animal behavior): Mobbing is group behavior in which animals harass or threaten a predator near its prey or nesting site. Magpies may gather noisily around predators to drive them away.