Magpies are many things, to many men they are scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers. They are a gardeners friend, taking caterpillars, yet they will also take young Bantam chicks if not protected by wire,(as we found out to our cost!), their more usual diet consists of Insects and worms, fruit, seeds, carrion, scraps, small vertebrates
When seen close-up its black plumage takes on an altogether more colourful hue with a sheen to the wing feathers, and a green gloss to the tail. They live in pairs, but Non-breeding birds will gather together in flocks in winter or a good food supply.
The Magpie builds a new nest each year, the nest is made from twigs and located in the centre of the crown of a deciduous tree, and looks like a huge dark ball. Magpies have a reputation for being thieves of glitter and Gold, but in reality there are not too many cases proven against them!
Number of broods
1
Fledging
26-31 days
Incubation
20 days
Clutch Size
5-6 eggs
Egg Weight
9.9
Egg Size
34x29 mm
First Record
10th Century
Habitat
Open woodland, scrub, towns and villages
Weight
220g
Wingspan
56cm
Length
45cm
Status in UK
Resident Breeder
Conservation Status UK
Green
Number in Britain
1.2 million
First clutches laid
Mid to late April
Age at First Breeding
2 years
Typical lifespan
5 years
Maximum Recorded Age
21 years, 8 months