© Photo by Amy Lewis. Magpie Pica pica Magpies are one of our most familiar birds and the source of much myth and legend – ‘one for sorrow, two for a joy’ is a rhyme that many children learn. © Photo by Ian Rose Magpies are, in fact, small crows, and are omnivorous, feeding on carrion, invertebrates and chicks and eggs. Sociable birds, they are often seen ‘chattering’ noisily in small groups across many habitats, from gardens to parks, heaths to hedges and in towns too. During the spring, males help the females to build nests by bringing materials which they then arrange. Magpies are famous for collecting all kinds of objects, particularly anything shiny, to decorate the nest. How to Identify Unmistakeable: the Magpie is a long-tailed bird, which is mainly black with a white belly, and has white patches on the shoulders and in the wing. Where to Find Widespread, although absent from the north of Scotland. How People Can Help Much maligned and often blamed for the decline of our songbirds, Magpies are actually not as villainous as we think. Songbird decline is largely due to habitat loss, development and changing farming practices, not predation by Magpies. To help populations of all our birds, The Wildlife Trusts are working towards a ‘Living Landscape’: a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust. Did you know? Folklore surrounds the Magpie – from providing Good Luck when greeted, to being in league with the Devil, its ubiquitous presence has provided plenty of opportunities for stories. Many surround religion, including the belief that it didn’t mourn with all the other birds at Christ’s crucifixion and that it refused to enter Noah’s Ark, preferring to stay on the roof and ‘swear’ for the whole journey. Key FactsLength: 44-48cmWingspan: 56cmWeight 200-240gAverage lifespan: 5 years Donate Donate to help support Magpie and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Crested Grebe Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Merlin Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Oystercatcher Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Reed Warbler Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Short-Eared Owl Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds