Scientific name: Pica pica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Jays and Magpies
Field characters. 46 cm. Easily identifiable by its boldly pied black-and-white plumage and long tail (which comprises half of its body length; tail of male longer than of female). Flanks, belly, and scapulars pure white; rest of plumage, bill and legs black. Tail- and wing-feathers have conspicuous metallic iridescent sheen in bright sunlight. Juveniles strongly resemble adults, but have shorter tail. Has a great affinity for colourful and shiny objects, which are brought to the nest. Usually found in pairs, but outside breeding season often roosts communal.
Voice. Most frequent a loud, rattling 'chatchatchak'.
Distribution. A common resident.
Habitat. Nests in tall trees, but also in thorn bushes; it prefers open country, farm-land and outskirts of woods; locally also common in cities.
Food. Truly omnivorous; all kinds of vegetable and animal matter, such as fruits, berries, terrestrial invertebrates, birds' eggs, carrion, garbage, small mammals and young birds. Feeds predominantly whilst walking and hopping on the ground.