Science & Nature • Bird

Magpie

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Magpies are long-tailed birds in the crow family, Corvidae, found across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America. They are known for their bold behaviour, black-and-white plumage in many species, complex calls, and reputation for intelligence. In Canada, the black-billed magpie is a familiar bird in western regions.

Taxonomy and species

Magpies are birds in the family Corvidae, the same family as crows, ravens, and jays. The name covers several species in multiple genera, including Pica, Cissa, Urocissa, and Cyanopica.

Appearance

Many magpie species are recognized by long tails and contrasting black-and-white plumage, often with iridescent blue, green, or purple gloss. Some Asian species have brighter blue or green feathers.

Behaviour and diet

Magpies are vocal, social birds that live in a range of open and semi-open habitats. They are omnivorous and may feed on insects, fruit, seeds, carrion, and the eggs or chicks of other birds.

Intelligence and folklore

Magpies are often cited as highly intelligent birds, and some species have shown advanced problem-solving behaviours. They also feature prominently in folklore, including superstitions and rhymes in the United Kingdom.

Key facts

Magpie is a common name for several species of long-tailed birds in the crow family.
Many magpies are black-and-white birds with iridescent blue, green, or purple sheen on some feathers.
They are omnivores and eat insects, fruit, seeds, carrion, eggs, chicks, and small animals.
Magpies are often described as intelligent and vocal birds.

🍁

Canadian context

Magpies are present in Canada, especially the black-billed magpie in western regions, where they are familiar birds in open habitats and urban edges.

Frequently asked questions

What is a magpie?

A magpie is any of several long-tailed birds in the crow family, Corvidae. The term is used for species found in different parts of the world.

What do magpies eat?

Magpies are omnivores. Their diet can include insects, carrion, fruit, seeds, eggs, chicks, and small animals.

Are magpies related to crows?

Yes. Magpies belong to the crow family, Corvidae, and are closely related to crows, ravens, and jays.

Where do magpies live?

Magpies occur in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America, and they use habitats such as woodlands, grasslands, farms, parks, and forest edges.

Are magpies intelligent?

Magpies are widely regarded as intelligent birds, and some species have demonstrated advanced behaviours such as tool use and self-recognition in experiments.

Why are magpies linked to folklore?

Magpies have long been part of European folklore and superstition, especially in the UK, where they are associated with the rhyme “one for sorrow, two for joy.”

References

Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/magpie
Supports: Magpies are long-tailed birds in the family Corvidae; notable species include the black-billed magpie and Eurasian magpie.
Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/magpie/390799
Supports: Magpies are songbirds in the crow family, with diet, habitat, appearance, and behaviour overview.
The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/crows-and-shrikes/magpie
Supports: UK magpie appearance, habitat, omnivorous diet, social behaviour, and folklore association.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-billed_Magpie/lifehistory
Supports: Black-billed magpie population information and conservation status.
Australian Museum — https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/australian-magpie/
Supports: Australian magpie as a highly regarded songbird with complex calls.