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Builds a domed nest in tall trees, or hedgerows. Often contains shiny objects | Builds a domed nest in tall trees, or hedgerows. Often contains shiny objects | ||
====Vocalisation==== | ====Vocalisation==== | ||
| − | Harsh "chack, chack, chack". | + | Harsh "chack, chack, chack". |
- <flashmp3>Pica pica (song).mp3</flashmp3><br /> | - <flashmp3>Pica pica (song).mp3</flashmp3><br /> | ||
| − | - ''[[Media:Pica pica (song).mp3|Listen in an external program]]'' | + | - ''[[Media:Pica pica (song).mp3|Listen in an external program]]'' |
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==References== | ==References== | ||
#Birdwatchers Pocket Guide ISBN 1-85732-804-3 | #Birdwatchers Pocket Guide ISBN 1-85732-804-3 | ||
Revision as of 11:54, 21 March 2009
- Pica pica
Identification
Black head, neck, breast and back. Prominent white side patches and belly
Wings and tail, whilst looking black in certain lights, are actually bluey-green and purple
Very long tail, diamond-shaped when spread out
Distribution
Europe and Asia. Whilst there are 'pockets' (notably Edinburgh and Aberdeen), it is absent from most parts of Scotland.
Taxonomy
This species was formerly considered conspecific with Black-billed Magpie P. hudsonia. About 12 subspecies are recognized. This is a thread discussing possible splits from this group of subspecies, with sericea and bottanensis the strongest contenders(?).
Habitat
Farmland and open country. Also town gardens and parks
Behaviour
Walks and will hop sideways
Flight
Quick, with deep, fast, even wing beats. Short glides
Breeding
Builds a domed nest in tall trees, or hedgerows. Often contains shiny objects
Vocalisation
Harsh "chack, chack, chack".
- <flashmp3>Pica pica (song).mp3</flashmp3>
- Listen in an external program
References
- Birdwatchers Pocket Guide ISBN 1-85732-804-3
- Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
- Collins Field Guid 5th Edition
External Links
This link searches for "Common Magpie"
