Eurasian magpie
Intelligent corvid known for passing the mirror test.
The Eurasian magpie or common magpie (Pica pica) is a resident breeding bird throughout the northern part of the Eurasian continent. It is one of several birds in the crow family (corvids) that are designated as magpies, and it belongs to the Holarctic radiation of 'monochrome' magpies. In Europe, the term 'magpie' is used by English speakers as a synonym for the Eurasian magpie. The Eurasian magpie is one of the most intelligent birds, with the expansion of its nidopallium approximately the same in relative size as the brains of chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and humans, and it is one of the few bird species known to pass the mirror test.
- Scientific name
- Pica pica
- Binomial name established
- 1758 by Linnaeus as Corvus pica
- Field
- Ornithology
- Known for
- High intelligence, passing the mirror test, and distinctive black-and-white plumage
Lore & Background
In 1758, Linnaeus included the species in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae under the binomial name Corvus pica. Pica is the Classical Latin word for this magpie. In 2000, the American Ornithologists' Union decided to treat the black-billed magpie as a separate species based on studies of vocal and other behaviour indicating that the black-billed magpie was closer to the yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttalli) than to the Eurasian magpie.
Reader's Guide
The Eurasian magpie is significant as one of the most intelligent birds, with a nidopallium expansion comparable in relative size to that of great apes and humans. Its ability to pass the mirror test places it among a small group of species with self-recognition. The species has a complex taxonomic history, with gradual clinal variation over a large geographic range leading to differing subspecies recognition among authorities. The International Ornithological Congress recognises six subspecies, while others formerly considered subspecies are now treated as separate species, such as the Maghreb magpie, Asir magpie, Oriental magpie, and black-rumped magpie. A study using both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA found that magpies in eastern and northeastern China are genetically very similar to each other, but differ from those in northwestern China and Spain. The magpie's association with human settlements is ancient, with archaeological finds suggesting it became a scavenger around human communities possibly as early as the Scandinavian Bronze Age. Its distinctive call and black-and-white plumage have made it a familiar bird across temperate Eurasia.
Did You Know?
- The Eurasian magpie is one of the few bird species known to pass the mirror test.
- The expansion of its nidopallium is approximately the same in relative size as the brains of chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eurasian magpie?
It is a corvid species (Pica pica) with bold black-and-white plumage, native to the northern half of the Eurasian landmass. In English-speaking Europe, the plain word 'magpie' is essentially a shorthand for this one bird.
How intelligent is the Eurasian magpie?
Its nidopallium reaches a relative size comparable to that of chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and humans. It is also one of the few non-primate animals confirmed to pass the mirror self-recognition test, a milestone usually reserved for great apes.
Where does the Eurasian magpie live and breed?
It is a year-round resident across the northern Eurasian continent, stretching from western Europe through central Asia. Rather than undertaking long migrations, it stays within its breeding territory through all seasons.
What is the Eurasian magpie's taxonomic history?
Linnaeus first described it in 1758 under the name Corvus pica, placing it in the crow genus before it was later moved to its own genus, Pica. It belongs to the Holarctic radiation of 'monochrome' magpies within the corvid family.
Why is the Eurasian magpie significant in ornithology?
It ranks among the most cognitively advanced birds ever studied, with problem-solving and self-awareness abilities that challenge traditional boundaries between avian and primate intelligence. Its stark two-tone plumage also makes it one of the most instantly recognizable birds across its enormous range.
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