Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on March 24th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f/11. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 40 - 51 cm (incl. tail)

The Magpie looks like a black-and-white bird from a distance, but when seen close-up the its black plumage takes on an altogether more colourful hue with a purplish-blue iridescent sheen to the wing feathers, and a green gloss to the tail.

It is found over most of the British Isles, except northern Scotland.

It can be found in a range of habitats from city centres to lowland farmland to upland moors.

Non-breeding birds gather together in flocks.

There are about 600000 breeding territories in the UK.

Sightings