Common Magpie, European Magpie (Pica pica)

6/8/17 Kensington Gardens, London, UK 

 6/3/17 Bible College of Wales, Swansea, UK

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Common Magpie, European Magpie

SPECIES: Pica pica

FAMILY: Corvidae (Crows, Jays & Magpies)

LIFE LIST DATE: 6/3/2017

LOCATION: Bible College of Wales, Derwen Rawr Rd., Sketty, Swansea, SW coast of Wales, UK

From The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Birds of the World, by David Alderton:

 

Distribution: Virtually the whole of Europe south to north Africa. Present in parts of Asia and North America.

Habitat: Open and lightly wooded areas.

ID: Black head, upper breast, back, rump and tail, with a broad white patch around the abdomen. Broad white wing stripe and dark blue areas evident below on folded wings. There may be a green gloss to the back plumage  depending on the light. Sexes are alike although the cock may have a longer tail. 

Food: Omnivorous.

Bold and garrulous, magpies are a common sight throughout much of their wide range. They are blamed for the decline of songbirds because of their habit of raiding the nests of other birds.