Fun Magpie Facts For Kids

Magpies are a type of bird that can be found in a wide range of ecosystems, from grasslands, meadows, and the margins of thick woodland. As varying habitats provide a range of options to prey on for the omnivorous magpie, they feast on insects, fruit, seeds, and even. A happy and well-fed magpie will chirp, hum or whistle. However, magpies can be loud too. They are notorious for their loud screeches which can be a nuisance.

The magpie, which lives for 2-3.5 years, breeds multiple times in its lifetime. After mating, the magpie family starts nesting. They sometimes create huge nests with two entrance points. Although magpies are mostly solitary, they live in groups after the nesting process. This group is called murders or flocks and includes a magpie's family, that is the parent birds and the young ones. This article will let you in on some of the most interesting facts on the bird. So keep reading.

If you like these facts on the magpie check out similar content at birds of paradise and barn owl facts.

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What type of animal is a Magpie?

The magpie Pica pica is a type of bird.

What class of animal does a Magpie belong to?

The magpie belongs to the class of Aves.

How many Magpies are there in the world?

More than 5 million black-billed magpies live in North America. In spite of the healthy population of black-billed magpies, the magpie faces risk from farmers who see the black-billed Magpies as pests. The magpie steals seeds from the barnyards. The black-billed magpie may then be killed by the farmers whose grains they steal. On the other hand, the Asir magpie is constantly getting reduced in numbers owing to habitat loss. Their main habitat, the Juniper forest in Africa, is being deforested. Similarly, there is a decline in the population of the Javan Green magpie. These magpies are traded by humans. However, there are as many as 19 million pairs of the Eurasian magpie. The population of the Australian magpie is also on the rise, although its exact numbers are not known.

Where does a Magpie live?

The magpie bird lives mainly in meadows, grasslands, and forest edges. They dwell near thick forests in order to stay safe from predators. They make homes in vegetations that are close to water bodies.  

What is a Magpie's habitat?

Magpies are found across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. They can also be seen in the southeastern portion of the Asian islands. The magpie thrives on a temperate climate. When the winter season arrives, some magpies from northern areas migrate south. When the weather turns cold, the black-billed magpie from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado can migrate to a lower altitude. However, the magpie does not wander far from their nests or place of origin. Magpies are typically not migratory birds.

Who do Magpies live with?

The magpie is a solitary bird. However, they form pairs and eventually flocks during the breeding season. A flock is the collective noun for a group of magpies. They are also called a murder of magpies. A flock is usually formed up of a breeding pair of magpie birds and their young ones. As a result, a standard murder of magpies will consist of about eight chicks. Magpie groups are larger in cooler climates. This encourages them to remain warm by roosting together. Magpies that live in flocks are protected from threats such as hawks and owls. A magpie flock acting together to scare a predator away from a breeding area is not unprecedented.

How long does a Magpie live?

The average magpie lives for approximately three years. A black-billed magpie's estimated lifespan in the wilderness is 2-3.5 years. For the male magpie, it is 3.5 years and for the female magpie, it is 2 years. A magpie held in captivity, on the other hand, will live to be 20 years old. A Eurasian magpie known to have lived 21 years and 8 months old is the world's oldest magpie. Magpies, like most species, can experience respiratory problems once they become old. They will also contract parasites like lice and ectoparasites, which can reduce their days.

How do they reproduce?

Male magpies expose their shiny white wings to draw the attention of the female magpies. When a male magpie and a female magpie team up to breed, they mate for life until and unless one of them dies. If one of the magpies ends up dead, the other may find a new partner, but this isn't guaranteed. A male magpie and a female magpie work together to construct a nest. Sticks, leaves, rope, feathers, vines, and mud are used to build an extraordinarily large nest by these birds. The typical nest measures 20 in wide and 30 in high. A magpie's nest has two openings and a shelter, or roof, that is made up of sticks. These birds have been known to build their nests 30 ft above the ground on the branches and leaves of trees. A clutch of six to nine eggs is laid by the mother. The eggs will take anywhere from 16-21 days to mature. Each egg measures about an inch in circumference. The male magpie hunts for resources to sustain his companion while the mother remains on the eggs. Both the parents alternatively take small insects and the other feeds their nests for the young birds. When the baby magpies are around 25 days old, they fly the nest.

What is their conservation status?

The overall conservation status of magpies including all its subspecies is Not Extinct. Black-billed magpies have a conservation status of Least Concern. The conservation status of the Eurasian magpie is Least Concern, and its distribution is stable. The Australian magpie is also classified as Least Concern, and its number is on the rise.

What do Magpies look like?

A set of monochrome feathers can be seen on the black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia. Moreover, the flight feathers are a shiny bluish/green hue. The Eurasian species of magpie resembles the black-billed magpie in color. The Australian magpie looks similar but has white feathers extending up the back of its body, unlike the other two birds. It even has a white and black bill. These birds have tiny black eyes and they have pointed claws with four toes on each claw, one of which points backward.

How cute are they?

These birds have a cute appearance because of their pleasing color combination. Their build also contributes to the cuteness factor.

How do they communicate?

Magpies interact in a range of calls, such as grunting sounds. Magpies sing often at dawn and dusk to reaffirm their right to their territories.

How big is a Magpie?

The bird is 17-18 in (44-46 cm) long. Therefore it is almost the size of crows, but slightly longer than crows due to its lengthier tail than the tail of a crow.

How fast can a Magpie fly?

The fastest these birds can fly is at a speed of 20 mph or 32 kmph.

How much does a Magpie weigh?

The bird weighs 0.4-0.6 lb (200-250 g).

What are their male and female names of the species?

There are no separate names for the two genders of the bird. They are simply known as a male magpie and a female magpie.

What would you call a baby Magpie?

A baby magpie is called a chick. A fledgling is a baby bird that has left the nest and begun to discover its surroundings. These birds are born without sight and feathers. The chicks develop a layer of down feathers in their first week after birth. The eyes of the baby birds open around day 10.

What do they eat?

The diet of these birds includes grasshoppers, seeds, seeds, larvae, caterpillars, and mice. These birds have been known to snatch eggs and also babies from other animals' nests as their diet. As a result, magpies are often referred to as predators of nests. Magpies have also been seen to follow foxes or coyotes as they go hunting. This is so that the birds can capture some of the food from the predator-killed creature.

Are they dangerous?

Although not all birds of this species are dangerous, an injury may be caused when the birds engage in an act called swooping. Magpie assaults can result in injuries, most commonly head wounds. Getting swooped suddenly whilst riding will lead to a loss of balance of the bike, which can lead to injuries or even death.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, this species can be kept as a pet. These animals are commonly kept as pets in America, Europe, and Australia. Since magpies are friendly and smart birds, they make great pets. However, you can never keep a wild magpie as a pet. Not only is it hazardous, but it is also unfair.

Did you know...

Although the reason is not known, magpies have been known to eat other birds. The magpie is constantly on the search for a tasty bird or mammal to add to its food. Baby birds and eggs abound during the breeding season, and they are always easy to come by. During some times of the year, the magpie enjoys carrion or the rotting flesh of dead creatures. Tiny rodents like field mice and voles, as well as small birds that can be caught, are on the magpie's menu. The sparrow also passes the size test to become food for the magpie.

What are Magpies afraid of?

Domestic cats, wolves, foxes, and owls are among the threats of magpies. Raccoons, weasels, hawks, and mink have been known to rob eggs and chicks from their nests.

What is a Magpie known for?

Magpies are popular for their wits and their appearance. They have a very dominating personality. Their songs and calls are also one of a kind.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including secretary bird, or great green macaw.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our Magpie coloring page.

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