Quick answer
Magpies (Pica pica) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The bold, brilliant problem-solver of the crow family. Adults typically weigh 200–250 g (7–9 oz), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live About 5 years (up to 21). They feed on omnivore (insects, scraps, fruit, eggs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Open countryside with trees, farmland, and towns across Europe, much of temperate Asia, and North Africa.
Key takeaway
Magpies (Pica pica) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The bold, brilliant problem-solver of the crow family. Adults typically weigh 200–250 g (7–9 oz), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live About 5 years (up to 21). They feed on omnivore (insects, scraps, fruit, eggs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Open countryside with trees, farmland, and towns across Europe, much of temperate Asia, and North Africa.
Magpie overview
Magpie (Pica pica) is a bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 200–250 g (7–9 oz); lifespan around About 5 years (up to 21).
Magpie ecology
Diet: Omnivore (insects, scraps, fruit, eggs). Habitat: Farmland, woodland edges, parks, suburbs. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Magpies and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild magpies are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Magpie profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Magpies inhabit Open countryside with trees, farmland, and towns across Europe, much of temperate Asia, and North Africa. Their preferred habitat includes farmland, woodland edges, parks, suburbs, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence acros
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult magpies typically measure about 0.45 m in length and weigh 200–250 g (7–9 oz). They can sprint at up to 30 km/h (19 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Magpies are known for the bold, brilliant problem-solver of the crow family — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Magpie FAQs
What are key facts about magpies?
Magpies (Pica pica) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The bold, brilliant problem-solver of the crow family. Adults typically weigh 200–250 g (7–9 oz), reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph), and live About 5 years (up to 21). They feed on omnivore (insects, scraps, fruit, eggs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Open countryside with trees, farmland, and towns across Europe, much of temperate Asia, and North Africa.
What is the scientific name of the magpie?
Pica pica — used in research and conservation listings for magpies.
What do magpies eat?
Magpies eat insects, scraps, fruit and eggs, with seasonal and regional variation in Farmland, woodland edges, parks, suburbs.
Where do magpies live?
They are associated with Farmland, woodland edges, parks, suburbs. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of magpies?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.