Magpies are known for their intelligence because they are capable of learning and imitating various sounds, including human voice, and solving complex problems to obtain food.
The Eurasian magpie is part of the very small club of animals capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror. To test this, researchers typically use the mark test: they place a small colored dot on the bird's body in a location that is invisible without a mirror. As a result, when the magpies see their reflection, they immediately try to remove the mark from their own body, a clear sign that they are aware that the image in front of them is none other than themselves. It may seem like a small thing, but among animals, it is very rare. This clearly shows that magpies possess a degree of self-awareness comparable to that of certain intelligent mammals such as elephants, dolphins, or great apes. Not bad for a bird, right?
Magpies are known for their remarkable ability to solve practical problems. They are often observed making and manipulating simple tools to access their food. For example, they can use twigs or thorns to dislodge insects hidden in bark or stuck in narrow holes. In some experiments, magpies can even understand how to fill a container with water to float food out of reach. This behavior clearly demonstrates their ability to anticipate, observe, and adapt their strategy to the situation. In short, it's a true testament to a rather impressive practical intelligence for a bird.
Magpies have an impressive spatial memory, allowing them to hide food in various places and, above all, to easily find it long after. They precisely locate their hiding spots, even while constantly changing locations, demonstrating a remarkable ability to accurately remember where they have stashed their favorite snack. These birds also quickly learn to identify human individuals, easily recognizing specific faces, especially if those people pose a threat or a potential advantage. This ability to retain such fine details shows how remarkably efficient their tiny brains are in terms of learning and long-term memory.
Magpies live in groups with rich and complex social interactions. They sometimes form stable pairs for several years, or even for life, and collaborate to build their nests or defend their territory. If a magpie is injured or in danger, its peers often react as a group, expressing their concern with alarm calls or by trying to help directly. They also understand hierarchical and familial relationships within their community, adapting their behavior according to their interlocutor. In magpies, empathy and cooperation are beyond doubt: they clearly care about the well-being of the community and are capable of active mutual aid.
The magpie has an exceptional memory capacity: some studies show that a magpie can accurately remember the locations of hundreds of food caches.
Magpies are capable of passing the "mirror test," an indicator of self-awareness that has only been observed in a few species such as dolphins and chimpanzees.
Contrary to popular belief that accuses them of stealing shiny objects, recent studies show that magpies have no particular preference for shiny items and even avoid them out of caution.
When a danger appears, magpies emit specific alarm calls that vary according to the type of threat, allowing other birds to respond appropriately.
The magpies fiercely defend their territory and nests, especially during the breeding season. They may occasionally attack other birds to protect their offspring or secure their food resources.
The Eurasian magpie has a distinctive appearance: a highly contrasting black and white plumage, bluish iridescent reflections on the wings, and a long black tail. Their call is also very characteristic—loud and repetitive.
Although magpies are sometimes perceived as a threat due to their opportunistic and territorial behavior, their ecological role is complex. These birds also contribute to the regulation of insect populations and the natural cleaning of the environment.
Unlike popular belief, recent scientific research indicates that magpies do not have a particular preference for shiny objects. This myth arises from anecdotal behaviors observed, but it is not confirmed by rigorous studies.
In the wild, a magpie can live on average between 5 and 10 years, but some individuals can reach over 15 years, especially in captivity or in protected environments.
Although wild by nature, the magpie is capable of forming relationships with humans, especially when raised from a young age. However, it is best to let these birds live in their natural habitat.
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