Magpie - Pica pica

Magpies seem to be jacks of all trades - scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers; their challenging, almost 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. Non-breeding birds will gather together in flocks.

Seen in a range of habitats from lowland farmland to upland moors.

All year round

The Magpie is one of the few non-mammal species known to be able to recognize itself in a mirror test. They are known to attack the nests of other birds and eat their fledglings. They build a tree nest from twigs, creating a domed shape.

Common across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but more localised in Scotland, absent from the Highlands.

Common as a breeding bird in Leicestershire and Rutland.