MAGPIES : Pica pica
Where to see them : Almost everywhere where there is open grass, but close to trees.
Also see CORVIDS / CROWS incl MAGPIES
You won't confuse the magpie with other crows. You may not have even realised that it was one. Their strikingly black and white plumage and ever active almost mischievious behavior makes them very noticeable and set them apart. They are noisy, chattering away as they look for food and investigating what other birds are eating, perhaps trying to steal it.They are scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers. Their challenging, almost arrogant attitude and tendency to rob the fledglings from the nests of other birds has given them a bad name. But in reality, their behaviour is little different from many birds. Non-breeding birds will gather together in flocks. You may well even find some playing chase and catch-me-if-can. A little rebellious, but fun bird to have around.
A magpie turns over a cow pat to look for tasty grubs.
A magpie chick has fallen from its nest. It safely made it to the shelter of some undergrowth where it was hopefully found and nutured by its parents.
