The magpie belongs to the crow family and is much more than just a distinctive bird with black and white plumage. These intelligent and social birds have a wide range of fascinating traits and characteristics that make them intriguing creatures to study and admire. Because of their adaptability, intelligence and ecological role, magpies certainly deserve a place in our appreciation and admiration for the natural world around us. And as far as I'm concerned, the magpie is one of the most beautiful birds there is. But I'm probably a bit biased because it's one of my favorite birds.

External features

Let's start by looking at the external features that this bird possesses. Indeed, the magpie (Pica pica) is a remarkable bird with various external features that make it easy to recognize.

  • Black and white plumage : Magpies have distinctive plumage that is mainly black and white. Their head, throat, chest, and wings are shiny black, while their belly and the underside of their tail are white. They also have white patches on their wings and a characteristic white spot at the base of their tail. The black of the plumage has a green-purple-blue sheen layer.
  • Long tail : One of the most prominent features of the magpie is its long, wedge-shaped tail. This tail is usually longer than the bird's body and is often worn in a distinctive bow shape during flight.
  • Eye-catching beak : Magpies have a sturdy, black beak that is slightly curved downwards. This powerful beak allows them to manipulate a variety of foods, from seeds and insects to small vertebrates.
  • White wing stripes : During the flight, the magpie's white wing stripes are clearly visible and form a striking contrast to the black plumage. These stripes help identify the bird, even from a distance.
  • Large size : Magpies are relatively large birds, about the size of a blackbird. They have a tall, slender physique and stand tall on their feet.

Image of 3238642 via Pixabay

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