Magpie - a photo on Flickriver

Magpie

            Magpies are a group of birds within the crow family (Corvidae) renowned for their striking, multifaceted plumage and high intelligence. Although popularly depicted as purely black and white, many magpie species exhibit subtle iridescent hues—ranging from blue and green to even hints of purple—especially when sunlight catches their feathers. They inhabit a variety of environments across Europe, Asia, and North America, from rural open areas to bustling urban settings .
In behavior, magpies stand out for their problem-solving abilities and social complexity. They are among the few non-human species that have demonstrated signs of self-awareness, even passing mirror-recognition tests—a trait that underscores their cognitive sophistication. As omnivores, magpies maintain a varied diet that includes insects, small animals, seeds, and carrion, a versatility that highlights their adaptability and resourcefulness in different habitats .
Culturally, magpies occupy a fascinating dual status in folklore and tradition. In many parts of Europe, encountering a solitary magpie is associated with superstition, often seen as a portent of misfortune unless greeted by a specific salutation. Conversely, in several Asian cultures, magpies are embraced as symbols of good luck and prosperity. This rich tapestry of myth and belief reflects the birds’ longstanding impact on human culture .
Physically, magpies are medium-sized birds with proportions that can vary between species. For instance, some species can boast a wingspan of up to 65 centimeters and weigh around 200–250 grams. Their distinctive appearance paired with their resourceful nature continues to fascinate both birdwatchers and scientists alike .
Overall, magpies are not only admired for their beauty but also studied for their remarkable cognitive and adaptive skills, making them one of the most intriguing subjects in ornithology and animal behavior today 

   

Taken on: April 27, 2025

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Magpie

Pica pica

intelligent bird

black and white

iridescent hues

problem-solving

social behavior

folklore

superstition

cultural icon

adaptable

urban wildlife

rural habitat

birdwatching

ornithology

resourceful

opportunistic

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Camera: Sony ILCE-7RM5, f/6.3, 1/640 sec, 594mm, ISO 2500 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Sony ILCE-7RM5
Lens:	FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
Aperture:	f/6.3
Exposure Time:	0.002 sec (1/640)
Focal Length:	594mm
ISO:	2500
Exposure Bias:	+1.7 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Other
White Balance:	Auto
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 14.3 (Windows)
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