Magpie - description, habitat, interesting facts

The magpie belongs to the most common species of birds that live on the territory of our country. This representative of the Voronov family in an adult state reaches impressive sizes: lengths up to 45 cm, and weight - up to 250 g or more. The external data of this amazing bird is also attracted, because its plumage in black and white contrasting colors looks impressive. But the game of shades on different parts of the body is most striking: the plumage of an elongated tail casts a greenish color, and deep blue tones predominate on the wings. The rest of the body of the bird is completely black, only the abdomen and lower part of the chest are painted snow-white. White shades have small stripes on the shoulders.

Habitat

In general, the common magpie loves to settle closely with human housing. Therefore, the nests of this bird are often found in city parks, squares, a forest-park zone, and even gardens cultivated by man. Magpies do not like dense forests and very rarely make a home there. Birds of this species are found in the European part of the continent, in Asia, in the north of Africa, as well as in North America. It should be noted that the birds that live in the east of the Eurasian part of Russia are smaller. Forty ordinary ones are distinguished by a special manner of flight - a bird selects only a direct trajectory of movement, and after landing it proudly and even gracefully moves along the ground with dancing steps.

Magpie species

Representatives of a particular breed of magpie live in different regions. Here is a list of the most common varieties of the magpie family:

• Siberian blue;
• Himalayan green;
• Chinese azure;
• Spanish blue
• red-billed azure.

In principle, by the name of the species it is easy to understand where it is more common. But this does not always reflect reality. For example, long-tailed magpies love to settle in the forests of South Asia.

Nesting Features

Magpies prefer to live in pairs. Moreover, these birds are devoted to their partner all their lives. They are also distinguished by the skill of constructing a home, that is, nests. Both birds are equally involved in the construction process. Nests in magpies have a spherical shape, and for its construction they use foliage, branches, clay. The inside of the nest is lined with grass, straw, fragments of the fur of other animals. It is worth noting that the common magpie draws up her home according to all the laws of construction: the nest necessarily has an entrance located on the side, the structure also has a roof that protects the birds from bad weather.

Magpies nest in separate pairs, as well as in small colonies. As a rule, they equip their homes at a decent height, and this is done for the purpose of safety during the period of hatching of chicks. Usually, a female magpie lays 5-8 eggs, which have a characteristic bluish-green color. The process of removing chicks lasts 18-20 days. Throughout this period, mother-magpie does not leave the nest and very carefully guards future offspring. In general, forty have a very strongly developed instinct for motherhood. These birds are the most caring parents of birds. But the future father of the magpie family also does not mess around: he supplies his girlfriend with food and protects his nest.

After the birth of the chicks another four weeks gain strength in the nest. Only after this period has expired, are parents allowed to test flights.Parents protect their offspring, feed the chicks until they are fully grown.

Adult members of the magpie family deliver food to the nest. The magpie is not too picky about food. These birds consume:

• snails;
• Worms
• various beetles;
• chicks of small birds (tits, finches).

If the food base in the habitat is scarce, then the magpies decide to ruin other people's nests. But, when there is enough food for the chicks, these birds do not engage in robbery.

Noteworthy magpie character traits

The magpie, like a crow, is smart and intelligent. And this bird is very curious, she likes to follow and observe. A magpie always ponders her actions, she is able to assess the situation. Any changes around immediately alert the bird, and, noticing the danger, it immediately begins to make piercing sounds. It is the loud cry of a magpie that signals to relatives about the approach of danger. It is important to emphasize here that the magpie cry also alarms other animals and birds. Therefore, magpie is sometimes called a forest scout. Probably, it was from here that the well-known proverb went about the news, which "brings magpie on the tail."

By the way, the tail of a magpie also performs a special function: when it sits on a branch, it twitches. A similar manner of behavior is not observed in other representatives of the bird family.

In addition to the listed characteristics for magpies, it is characteristic:

1. High activity.
2. Love for a change of habitat.
3. Increased caution, because of which she avoids close contact with a person.
4. Curiosity prompting her to look into other people's nests.
5. The ability to make long-distance flights, to which the bird usually decides for the sake of the desire to find a treat.

There is an opinion that magpie is able to steal jewelry and shiny items. Of course, a bird can sneak a thing that appeals to her, but she will venture on such an act if nothing threatens her. In other situations, the magpie will not risk his own life for the sake of an incomprehensible trinket.

Magpie Diet

As noted earlier, the common magpie is content with the food supply that is nearby. It mainly consumes insects and small animals. The usual menu of birds are:

• frogs
• snails;
• lizards;
• locust;
• beetles;
• slugs.

Likes forty to enjoy plant foods: seeds, grains, nuts, small fruits.

Forty will not refuse a piece of meat if such an accident occurs. During the nesting period, when there is a need for more high-calorie foods, magpies steal the eggs of small songbirds or eat their chicks. True, magpie is capable of attacking only solitary birds, because, living in packs, birds can seriously repel a predator.

The magpie does not disdain carrion and food waste, often it is fed by visiting feeders. When it comes to food, the magpie sometimes shows frank impudence, stealing food directly from under the nose of the main forest predators - a bear or a fox.

In this regard, the behavior of black magpies living in northern Africa is interesting. In search of food, birds of this species migrate en masse to pastures, where they establish temporary “parking” on the backs of cattle. Moreover, animals perceive such an act of birds calmly, because magpies, like some other birds, clean their hair from parasites and other pests.

Enemies of the Magpies

Although the common magpie itself is a threat to many representatives of the fauna, it also has enemies. In this list:

• owl;
• hawk;
• kite;
• eagle;
• eagle;
• falcon;
• owl;
• wild cat;
• marten.

Magpies living in the tropics are constantly attacked by snakes.True, thanks to the ingenuity of these birds, they often manage to avoid danger.

Interesting facts about life forty

The mention of magpie is found in the cultural heritage of different nations. So, the Indians of North America believed that the bird is associated with forest spirits. Residents of the eastern part of Asia have always treated the magpies with honor and respect. They have believed for centuries that this bird brings happiness. In Europe, on the contrary, the attitude towards magpies is negative, especially among farmers. This is due to the fact that these birds constantly attack gardens and fields.

But in Taiwan, the thick-billed azure magpie is a symbol. Unfortunately, today this unique species is on the verge of complete extinction due to the destruction of its natural habitat for birds. Therefore, measures are being taken to restore the population of this rare population.

The results of scientific research by ornithologists are interesting. They proved that the magpie is capable of performing complex social rituals, which confirms the high intelligence of the bird. A magpie can even recognize his own reflection in a mirror and express emotions.

There is another positive feature of these restless birds - the ability to heal. By cleansing the skins of domestic animals and livestock from various parasites and insects, magpies save them from many diseases.

Video: magpie (Pica pica)