We’ve all seen them — black and white birds with long tails hopping through parks, gardens, or even city streets. These are magpies, and they’re not just pretty birds.
They’re smart, bold, and surprisingly social. Today, let’s explore the world of magpies together and discover why they’re more than just background birds in our daily lives.
Meet the Magpie: More Than Just a Bird
The magpie, especially the common magpie (Pica serica), is part of the crow family and is known for its intelligence and adaptability. We often find them across East Asia, the northern parts of Southeast Asia, and even parts of the Far East region. These birds have many names — guest magpie, flying piebald, spirit bird — all showing just how familiar and respected they are in many cultures.
Interestingly, scientists used to think this magpie was just a subspecies of the Eurasian magpie. But recent studies proved otherwise — it actually branched off earlier in evolution and deserves to be recognized as a separate species. That’s pretty cool, right?
How Do They Look? Let’s Zoom In
If we take a closer look, we’ll notice that magpies have a stunning look. Their feathers aren’t just black and white — their wings and tails reflect deep purples, blues, or even greens in sunlight. Compared to other magpies, the common magpie has a slightly shorter tail but longer wings, giving it a compact yet sleek shape.
Their face and chest are black, but their belly is bright white — a strong contrast that makes them easy to spot. Some even have tiny white spots on their lower backs, adding to their stylish appearance.
Where Do Magpies Like to Live?
One amazing thing about magpies is how easily they fit into our lives. We find them almost everywhere — farmlands, mountains, forests, suburbs, and cities. In fact, the more people there are, the more magpies we tend to see.
That’s because they’re experts at finding food, whether it's insects in a field or leftover crumbs in the park. They like tall trees for resting at night, but during the day, we’ll often find them walking boldly across open spaces, searching for their next snack.
What’s It Like to Be Around a Magpie?
Magpies usually move in pairs or small groups, and sometimes they gather in large flocks, especially at night when they sleep in trees. During the day, they stay active — walking, flying, calling to each other, and looking for food. Their calls are softer than the Eurasian magpie’s, which gives them a gentler tone.
They’re also incredibly smart. Magpies have shown signs of problem-solving and can even recognize themselves in mirrors — a rare skill in the animal world. Some have even been observed using tools, like small twigs or stones, to help them access food.
Why Should We Care About Magpies?
Magpies aren’t just another bird in the sky. They reflect how nature and humans can live side by side. As our cities grow, many animals disappear — but not the magpie. Instead, it learns, adapts, and thrives with us.
By watching magpies, we can learn more about survival, intelligence, and how even the smallest animals make our world more colorful and connected.
Let’s Watch and Listen Together!
Next time we hear a chattering call or catch a flash of black and white flying past, let’s pause and appreciate the moment. Magpies are always nearby, quietly observing us and sharing the spaces we live in—from peaceful fields to bustling parks.
Have you ever had a fun or surprising encounter with a magpie? Maybe one tried to grab something shiny right off your picnic table? We’d love to hear your magpie stories. Keep your eyes open—nature is closer than we think!
Magpies are even smarter than you think | The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds
Video by ABC Science
