Magpie information

The magpie (scientific name: Pica pica) is a species of the genus Magpie in the order Passeriformes, Corvidae, family Birds. ***There are 10 subspecies. The magpie is very large, with mostly black feathers and white shoulders and abdomen. Magpies mostly live in areas inhabited by humans and like to eat grains and insects. They usually build their nests in March. After the nest is built, they start laying eggs, with each nest laying 5-8 eggs. Magpie meat can be used as medicine. Magpies have a graceful cry and are regarded as a symbol of good luck among Chinese people. The legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meeting on a magpie bridge and the custom of painting magpies as a sign of joy are quite popular among the people.

Magpies have a wide distribution range, covering almost all continents in the world except Central and South America and Oceania. In China, except for grasslands and desert areas, it is found throughout the country. There are 4 subspecies, all of which are local residents.

Magpies are birds with strong adaptability. They inhabit mountains and plains. They can be seen in wilderness, farmland, suburbs and cities. But a general rule is that where there are more human activities, the number of magpie populations tends to be greater, while this species is rarely found in dense forests where people are less likely to visit. Magpies often move in large flocks and pairs, foraging in wilderness farmlands during the day and perching on the tops of tall trees at night. Magpies are one of the most popular birds. They like to build their nests in big trees next to houses and move around residential areas.

Except for forming small groups in autumn, they mostly live in groups throughout the year. The sound is loud and clear. Omnivorous, it forages in the wilderness and fields. During the breeding period, it preys on small animals such as locusts, mole crickets, cutworms, beetles, moth larvae, and frogs. It also steals the eggs and chicks of other birds, and also eats fruits, Cereals, plant seeds, etc.

The lifespan of a magpie is seven to eight years, and the lifespan varies slightly depending on the species. Magpies mate for many years. The nest is spherical, built by both sexes, and is made of dead branches. The inner wall is filled with a thick layer of soil and lined with grass leaves, cotton wool, animal hair, feathers, etc. The old nest is repaired and reused every year by adding new branches. Each clutch lays 5 to 8 eggs. The eggs are light brown with brown and gray-brown spots. The female bird incubates the eggs, and the incubation period is about 18 days. The chicks are late adults and need to be fed by their parents for about 1 month before leaving the nest. Small birds of prey, red-footed hawks, often compete for the nests of magpies or rooks. Call: A loud, rough rattling sound.

Inscribed in the "World Conservation Union" (IUCN) ver 3.1: 2009 Bird Red List.

According to surveys conducted by scientific workers in Nanjing and Hunan, more than 80% of magpies’ food in a year is insects that harm crops, such as locusts, mole crickets, scarabs, armyworm larvae or pine caterpillars. 15% are seeds of cereals and plants, and they also eat seeds of small birds, snails, fruits and weeds. Therefore, magpies are very beneficial to humans. Hard-working farmers, working in the fields early in the morning, saw magpies jumping in pairs on the field grass to chase and prey on pests, and they would not avoid humans, so they developed a love for them. Their loud and monotonous calls also made them fond of them. It is regarded as a good omen.