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.

Continue reading
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 for example like "schräk-äkäkäk.....", "tschi-uk", "pi-ak", tschurrch

Food

Magpies are omnivores. In the summer months, animal food such as worms, spiders and insects predominate. In the cold season, grains, seeds and berries are on the menu. In the spring, magpies are feared nest predators that like to help themselves to the eggs and chicks of other bird species. The magpies' diet also includes carrion and human food waste.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity occurs from the first year of life. Both monogamous permanent marriages and seasonal marriages occur. Laying period is from the end of March to May. A clutch consists of an average of 5-7 eggs, the incubation period is 18 to 20 days. Breeding is done exclusively by the female, which is supplied with food by the male during this period and in the first days after hatching. After that, both parents are responsible for providing food to the chicks, which are nest feeders. At the age of 3-4 weeks, the young birds leave the nest and are then provided with food by the adults 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 population of the magpie is considered to be not endangered and largely stable everywhere; no special protection measures are currently required anywhere. In some places there are slight population increases, in others slight declines. Overall, a trend away from open land and towards settlement and industrial areas can be observed, especially in areas with a lot of intensive agriculture and large monocultures. However, even here magpies are clearly more adaptable than many more typical field bird species.

Natural enemies are primarily birds of prey, besides also martens and stray cats. Almost everywhere magpies are hunted by humans. On the one hand, because they are seen as pests in agriculture, on the other hand, because they are seen as pests or competition for small game in parts of the hunting community. In science it is also disputed to what extent magpies should be killed as nest predators in areas with decreasing bird populations. Officially, for all the above reasons, about one million magpies are shot in Europe each year.

Intelligence

Magpies are not only among the smartest birds, but also among the most intelligent animal species of all. For example, they are among the few non-human creatures that are able to pass the so-called mirror test, a self-recognition experiment in which 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 of the St. Martins Spa &Lodge

Conditions of participation:
The current competition runs until November 30, 2023. The winner of a safari voucher for two people will be determined from all participants with the correct answer in camera. The winner will be notified by email . The cash redemption of the prize and the legal process are excluded.