MAGPIE

The Latin name for the magpie is Pica pica.

The magpie is a common name for any of several passerine birds of the crow family. 

Magpies are strikingly marked in black and white, with long, graduated, black tails. The body length is 42-50cm. Male and females are identical. Like most members of the crow family, when on the ground it usually walks, but when attracted by some object it hops quickly to investigate. It does this with a sideways motion with the wings slightly open and the tail elevated. 

These are birds of open, partly wooded or farm country. Their bulky nests are composed mostly of sticks and are built in trees.

They lay six to nine eggs, which are variable in colour, usually greenish-blue with darker markings.

They are scavengers and minor predators, eating carrion, eggs, young birds and almost anything else.

They have a harsh, chattering aah-aah-aah-aah call.