Magpie

Magpies seem to be “jacks of all trades” …. scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers. Their challenging and arrogant attitude has won them few friends.

With its noisy chattering, black and white plumage and long tail, there is nothing else quite like the Magpie in the UK. When seen close-up 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.

Magpies can be found throughout England and Wales but they are more localised in Scotland and absent from the Highlands. They can be seen in many habitats such as woodland, farmland, moorland, parks and gardens although they prefer grassland with thick hedges or scattered trees. They have adapted well to urban and suburban environments and can be seen right in to the centres of cities.

Date: 19/11/06

Location: Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Essex