At a glance
Essentials
- Distribution
- Mentioned in studies of peri-urban populations in Hungary and Central Europe.
- Habitat
- Urban and peri-urban environments.
- Activity
- Omnivorous and opportunistic feeding on plants, animals, and human waste.
- Diet
- Omnivorous; consumes plants, animals, and food of human origin.
Observation guide
What to look for
- 01
The European magpie (Pica pica) has a distinctive caw, powerful and harsh, as well as a contact call known as 'ker-chock', which facilitates its auditory identification in the urban environment.
Lighting, age and viewing angle can hide features. If identification affects consumption, handling or conservation, consult specialist sources.
Ecology
Description and characteristics
Corvids, which include the European magpie (Pica pica), are abundant and adaptable birds in urban and peri-urban environments. In these areas, coexistence with humans and domestic animals can facilitate the transmission of pathogens. A molecular study conducted in Hungary detected apicomplexan parasite DNA in the brain of Pica pica specimens, identifying for the first time in Central Europe the presence of Toxoplasma gondii and Lankesterella sp. in this species. These findings expand knowledge about the diversity of parasites harbored by magpies in peri-urban populations and underscore their potential relevance in One Health studies.