Hello, everyone! Did you know that the Eurasian magpie is actually a member of the crow family? In Japan, this bird is primarily found in the Kyushu region. It has such a unique appearance and behavior that the more you learn about it, the more you might fall in love with it!
The Eurasian magpie is about 45 cm long, making it slightly smaller than a crow. Its head and belly are black like a crow’s, but its belly is pure white. Most notably, its tail feathers are quite striking, shimmering with blue and green hues when caught in the light. Despite being a bit smaller than a crow, the magpie’s beautiful contrast and colors are sure to captivate anyone who sees it.
This bird has a broad diet, eating everything from insects to grains and nuts. It’s also a skilled nest builder, creating large, spherical nests high up in trees or on utility poles. Interestingly, magpies in Japan construct nests with roofs to protect against rain. Impressive, isn’t it? Their call is a slightly raspy “kyo-kyo” or “kachikachi,” somewhat similar to that of the azure-winged magpie.
What’s truly remarkable is that the Eurasian magpie is incredibly intelligent. There’s a test called the mirror test, which checks whether an animal can recognize itself in a mirror. Amazingly, the Eurasian magpie is one of the few birds in the world that can pass this test. The ability to recognize itself truly demonstrates its intelligence.
The Eurasian magpie has also been chosen as the prefectural bird of Saga and is celebrated as the national bird of South Korea. In the legend of Tanabata, the magpie is famous for building a bridge across the Milky Way. It’s clear that this bird has long been deeply connected with people’s lives and cultures.
So, what do you think? Are you starting to get interested in the Eurasian magpie? With its beautiful appearance and intelligent behavior, it’s definitely worth observing at least once. See you next time!
