The Eurasian magpie's feathers have a metallic blue-green glow. Their wings shine up to purple tones. The long black tail is fan-shaped. Due to its size of about 45 cm and the contrasting feathers, the magpie is a very eye-catching bird. In addition, the striking call “chak-chak-chak-chak” can be heard from far away. With this call, it warns loudly of danger – whether on the ground or in the air. Although the magpie belongs to the family of corvids, the so-called Corvidae, it is also a songbird, as it belongs to the suborder of the Passeri species. Thanks to the intelligence of magpies, fellow magpies recognise each other individually. In general, communication between magpies is very important. As soon as the birds exchange information with each other, their song with whistling and clicking sounds is similar to busy chatter. Once a couple of magpies has found each other, they stay together for life. Such a monogamous relationship can last up to 16 years. If a bird dies, the remaining animal looks for a new partner. As a couple, Eurasian magpies do most things together: Looking for food, constructing nests and raising their young.

Magpies' nest construction is quite complex. They make a roofed nest with a side entrance in tall trees, often with a wide crown. The roof covering the actual nest area provides some protection from predators or other corvids. The construction of a magpie nest takes several weeks. Usually the male brings dry twigs and the female builds them crosswise, pointing to the outside. The inner nest hollow is softly padded with soil, leaves, and grasses. When raising their young, magpies are dedicated parents and do not hesitate to go death-defyingly close to their enemies.   Typically, the predators will be noisily chased away as a team: One mate distracts and the other attacks the intruder. Even cats that are near the nest, for example, sometimes get pinched in the tail and harassed until they leave. Teamwork techniques are also applied in order to find food.

In the past, Eurasian magpies used to live in the countryside. Intensive agriculture, however, has drastically changed this habitat: sheltering vegetation such as bushes and shrubs has been removed, grasslands have been ploughed up. Monotonous acres were created. Meadows along paths were destroyed by herbicides. As a result of the devastating transformation of the landscape, the magpie is forced to move to other habitats. Intensive hunting also forced Eurasian magpies and other animals to migrate to new, semi-natural and more structured regions. Favourable living conditions emerged for many wild animals, including magpies, in the growing cities and urban areas. Gardens, parks, and cemeteries became new habitats – next to the noisy urban hustle and bustle. In addition, many food sources were created by inconsiderate throwaways, spilling rubbish bins and numerous fruit trees in the community gardens. Although magpies tend to be reclusive towards humans, their proximity to them can result in an easily captured snack.
Nowadays, the Eurasian magpie is still a common bird. However, it is wrongly underestimated and scorned. When you have a few quiet minutes, it is a pleasure to take a closer look at a magpie. Their creativity and curiosity will often make you smile. Their playful nature is also surprising. You will be amazed when observing them, because the interest may be mutual.