Wildlifeof China
Eurasian Magpie
Crows, Drongos, Orioles & Shrikes
Photo: (c) bitsnbirds, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0
Pica pica
Basic stats
Range
Resident breeder throughout the northern part of the Eurasian continent
Size
Adult male of the nominate form 44–46cm, more than half of it tail
Wingspan
52–62cm
The Eurasian magpie, or common magpie, is a resident breeding bird throughout the northern part of the Eurasian continent. The adult male of the nominate subspecies is 44–46cm long, more than half of which is tail, with a wingspan of 52–62cm. Despite the name and similar colouring it is not closely related to the Australian magpie. The graduated tail is black, glossed with green and reddish-purple (Wikipedia, general species account).
Young birds resemble the adults but initially lack the glossy sooty plumage. Adults moult completely once a year after breeding. It has a distinctive call, and the young also make an acute begging call. The general species text used here does not describe its status in China (Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- Where is the Eurasian Magpie found?
- Resident breeder throughout the northern part of the Eurasian continent
- How big is the Eurasian Magpie?
- Adult male of the nominate form 44–46cm, more than half of it tail
- What is the wingspan of the Eurasian Magpie?
- 52–62cm