Magpie

Magpies are long-tailed birds in the crow family, Corvidae, found across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America.

Magpies are long-tailed birds in the crow family, known for their bold black-and-white plumage and sharp intelligence. They are found on several continents, including Canada's western regions.

What it is

Magpies belong to the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, ravens, and jays. The name covers several species across genera like Pica, Cissa, Urocissa, and Cyanopica. Most have long tails and black-and-white feathers with iridescent blue, green, or purple sheen. They are distributed across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America.

How it lives

Magpies are omnivorous and highly vocal. Their diet includes insects, fruit, seeds, carrion, and the eggs or chicks of other birds. They inhabit open and semi-open areas such as woodlands, farmlands, parks, and urban edges. In Canada, the black-billed magpie is a familiar bird in western grasslands and suburban neighbourhoods.

Why it matters

Magpies are considered among the most intelligent birds, with some species demonstrating tool use and self-recognition. They are also deeply embedded in European folklore, notably the British rhyme “one for sorrow, two for joy.” In Canada, they adapt readily to human-altered landscapes, making them a common sight in the west.