Magpie - stmartins.at

Flying magpie with outstretched blue-green shimmering wings.

Dear Explorers,

I probably don't need to introduce myself much, because my reputation always precedes me. But I'm by no means as thieving as I'm constantly said to be. On the contrary, we magpies are not at all interested in glittering objects, as numerous scientific tests and experiments show. In fact, the glittering and shining even disturbs us, which is why we tend to avoid such objects. Just like our closely related ravens and crows, we magpies belong to the order of passerine birds and suborder of songbirds.

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Your Magpie

_{Image credit: User123 at German Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons}

_{Header image credit: Zeynel Cebeci, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

Facts

Length: 40 - 51 cm, of which about half is tail
Wingspan: about 50 cm
Weight: 180 - 250 g
Life expectancy: up to 15 years, in captivity records up to 28 years

Appearance

There are several subspecies of the magpie, which hardly differ from each other and even the sexes look extremely similar. The contrasting black and white plumage is striking, parts of which can shimmer in blue, green or purple depending on the incidence of light. In relation to the body size, the tail is relatively long and the wings relatively short.

_{Image credit: Stauss, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

A magpie with black and white plumage sits on green grass.

_{Image credit: Marius Vassnes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

Voice

Magpies have a surprisingly varied repertoire of sounds and calls with different meanings. Even a soft song is possible. Typical calls sound something like "schräk-äkäkäkäk…..", "tschi-uk", "pi-ak", tschurrch

Food

Magpies are omnivores. In the summer half-year, animal food such as worms, spiders, and insects predominates. In the cold season, grains, seeds, and berries are on the menu. In spring, magpies are feared nest robbers that gladly prey on the eggs and chicks of other bird species. Carrion and human food waste are also part of the magpie's diet.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity is reached from the first year of life. Both permanent monogamous pairings and seasonal matings occur. The laying period is from the end of March to May. A clutch consists of an average of 5-7 eggs, and the incubation period is 18 to 20 days. Incubation is carried out exclusively by the female, who is supplied with food during this time and in the first days after hatching by the male. Afterwards, both parents are responsible for supplying food to the chicks, which are altricial. At the age of 3-4 weeks, the young birds leave the nest and are then provided with food by the adult birds for another 4-6 weeks.

Young magpie with black and white plumage sitting on rocky surface.

_{Image credit: Cyberolm, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

Distribution

Magpies occur in several subspecies almost throughout Europe and in many other parts of the northern hemisphere.

Habitat

As far as their habitat is concerned, magpies are extremely flexible and adaptable. Some subspecies even inhabit high mountain regions up to 4000 m. In Central Europe, they are mostly found in semi-open cultivated landscapes, but also in settlement areas, at airports or industrial plants.

Hazards

The magpie population is considered endangered nowhere and largely stable; special conservation measures are currently not required anywhere. In some places there are slight population increases, in others slight declines. Overall, a trend away from open country and towards residential and industrial areas is noticeable, especially in areas with intensive agriculture and large monocultures. However, even here magpies prove to be much more adaptable than many typical farmland bird species.

Natural predators are primarily birds of prey, as well as martens and stray cats. Magpies are hunted by humans almost everywhere. On the one hand because they are considered pests in agriculture, and on the other hand because parts of the hunting community view them as pests or competition for small game. In science, it is also controversial to what extent magpies should be killed as nest robbers in areas with declining bird populations. Officially, for all the reasons mentioned, about one million magpies are killed in Europe every year.

Intelligence

Magpies are not only among the cleverest birds, but also among the most intelligent animal species in general. For example, they are among the few non-human creatures capable of passing the mirror self-recognition test, an experiment in self-awareness where they react similarly to chimpanzees or orangutans.

Where to find

Magpies can be seen with us at any time of the year and there are opportunities for observation on almost all of our safaris. Especially during our birdwatching tours, it often results to discuss this exciting and conspicuous species in a little more detail.

Interactive content

Here you can find videos with special content about the magpie

German Birdcalls: "Elster (alarmrufe)"

Youtube: "Sparrowhawk catches Wood Pigeon and is then harassed by two Magpies | Longbody1000"

Test your knowledge!

Discover a new species each month and, with a little luck, win a Seewinkel-Safari voucher for two.

Good luck with your participation and explorer greetings,
Your Nature Experience Team at ST. MARTINS Therme & Lodge

Conditions of participation:
The current competition runs until 30 November 2023. The winner of a safari voucher for two people will be determined from all participants with the correct answer behind closed doors. The winner will be notified by email. A cash payout of the prize and legal recourse are excluded.