MAGPIE FACTS

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread across

Europe and eastwards as far as

Pakistan, China and the Russian far east. Also introduced on the southern

Japanese island of Kyushu.

UK DISTRIBUTION: Common and widespread across the UK but more localised in Scotland.

IUCN Concern, HABITAT: habitats woodland, and FOOD: urban RED Omnivorous. including numbers Highly LIST areas. heaths, STATUS: adaptable; farmland, uplands, stable Food Least includes found wetlands in the birds, grains, Widely eggs small fruits scavenges and mammals, and fledglings other human carrion, plant of waste other material. material BREEDING: for Pairs scraps. will often remain together breeding for seasons several and successive occupy the same territory. Following courtship in the early spring, eggs are typically laid in April. Only one clutch is normally laid although a second may be produced if the first fails for some reason. One egg is laid each day, usually in the early morning, until the clutch is complete.

NESTING: A tall tree is normally the site chosen for the bulky nest although where one is not available a hedgerow or bush may be used instead. A strong framework of sticks is attached to a fork and lined with earth or clay, with a less dense but thorny dome built over it. The entrance is generally well concealed. CLUTCH SIZE: Usually five to six, but sometimes as many as 10. INCUBATION TIME: Around 22 days. LENGTH (AVERAGE): Around 46cm, half of which is the tail. Juveniles have short tails.

WINGSPAN (AVERAGE): 52–62cm. WEIGHT (AVERAGE): 180–270g, females smaller than males. LIFESPAN (AVERAGE): Normally around four years, though one bird ringed in 1927 was shot in 1947. FLIGHT SPEED: Up to around 20mph. SHOOTING SEASONS: May be killed or taken throughout the year under the terms and conditions of specific general licences.