Is A magpie a Crow?

There is often confusion about whether magpies are a type of crow or a distinct species. While magpies and crows share some similarities and are both members of the corvid family, they are actually different birds with distinct characteristics.

Quick Answer

No, magpies are not a type of crow. Magpies belong to the genus Pica while crows and ravens belong to the genus Corvus. Though they share some physical traits and behaviors, magpies and crows are classified as different species.

What is a Magpie?

Magpies are medium to large-sized birds in the corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, jays, and others. There are several different species of magpies, but the most widespread and recognized is the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica). Some key facts about magpies:

• Genus: Pica
• Species: Various, including Pica pica (Eurasian Magpie)
• Size: 40-60 cm in length (16 to 24 inches)
• Main coloration: Black and white
• Distinctive features: Long tail, black and white plumage, loud vocalizations
• Habitat: Open woodlands, farmlands, suburban areas
• Range: Europe, Asia, northwest Africa

The Eurasian Magpie is the most common and widespread magpie species. It has predominant black and white plumage, a long tail, and a loud, chatter-like call. They are highly intelligent birds known for their curiosity and mischievous behavior.

What is a Crow?

Crows are medium to large-sized birds also in the corvid family. When the term “crow” is used without any modifiers, it most commonly refers to the American Crow or Carrion Crow. Here are some key facts about crows:

• Genus: Corvus
• Species: American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Carrion Crow (Corvus corone), etc.
• Size: 38-53 cm in length (15 to 21 inches)
• Main coloration: Black
• Distinctive features: All black plumage, steady wing beats, loud “caw” call
• Habitat: Varied, from woodlands to fields, urban areas
• Range: North America, Europe, parts of Asia

Crows are all black in coloration with thicker, curved bills compared to magpies. They are highly adaptable birds found throughout much of North America and Eurasia in many different habitats.

Similarities Between Magpies and Crows

Though they are separate species, magpies and crows do share some physical and behavioral traits due to their relationship as corvids.

• Size and shape – Both have stout bodies of a similar size and build.
• Intelligence – Considered two of the most intelligent bird species.
• Loud vocalizations – Make a wide variety of calls including rattles, clicks, and chatter.
• Omnivorous – Will eat anything from grains and fruit to small animals and carrion.
• Social behavior – Form large flocks and communicate within family groups.
• Adaptable habitat – Able to thrive in diverse environments from farmland to cities.

In terms of intelligence and flexibility, magpies and crows have a lot in common. Both species take advantage of food sources provided by human habitation and are quick to explore and learn new things.

Differences Between Magpies and Crows

While they share some traits, there are also several distinct differences between magpies and crows when looking at plumage, distribution, voices, and other characteristics.

The most readily apparent difference is the coloration – magpies have striking black and white plumage while crows are solid black. Magpies also have longer, tapered tails and more melodic voices compared to crows’ fan-shaped tails and harsh “caw.”

Taxonomy and Genetics

Magpies and crows are classified in different genuses based on anatomical differences and genetics.

• Magpies belong to the genus Pica
• Crows and ravens belong to the genus Corvus

There are eight recognized species within the magpie genus and at least 40 within the crow/raven genus. While the different corvid genera are related and share a common ancestor, they have evolved to become genetically and physically distinct over millions of years.

Some key anatomical differences between magpies and crows include:

• Leg and foot structure – magpies have shorter tarsi
• Wing shape – broader base and more tapered wing tips in magpies
• Tail length and shape – magpies have much longer, graduated tails
• Bill shape – more pointed in magpies, thicker and curved in crows

These differences in skeletal structure as well as DNA evidence separate the genus Pica from Corvus and demonstrate they are unique bird species.

Differences in Behavior

In addition to physical characteristics, magpies and crows display some differing behaviors in the wild:

• Nesting – Magpies build domed nests high up in trees. Crows build simpler, cup-shaped nests lower in trees or on structures.
• Young – Magpie fledglings leave the nest after 4-5 weeks. Crow young leave after about 1 month.
• Roosting – Magpies don’t gather in large night-roosts like some crow species.
• Gathering food – Magpies forage in open ground singularly/in pairs. Crows will cooperatively forage in large flocks.
• Mobbing – Magpies may gather to mob predators. Crows will also mob but usually in much larger numbers.

There are some differences in social structure and nesting habits between the two species. However, both are highly adaptable and intelligent birds with complex social interactions.

Species of Magpies and Crows

While the Eurasian Magpie and American Crow are the most widespread species, there are several other species of magpies and crows worldwide:

Magpie Species

• Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) – Europe, Asia
• Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) – North America
• Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) – California
• Korean Magpie (Pica sericea) – Korea, China
• Oriental Magpie (Pica magpie)- southern Asia

Crow Species

• American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) – North America
• Northwestern Crow (Corvus caurinus) – Pacific Northwest
• Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) – Southeastern US
• Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) – Europe, Asia
• Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) – Europe, Asia
• Rook (Corvus frugilegus) – Europe, Asia

There are over 40 species of crows and ravens worldwide. Both crows and magpies also have several subspecies with slight variations in size, color, and range.

Relationship to Ravens

Like crows, ravens belong to the genus Corvus and have all black plumage. However, ravens are much larger with wingspans over 1 meter (3 feet). Their calls are also deeper and hoarser compared to crows.

Some key differences between crows and ravens include:

• Size – Ravens are noticeably larger with thicker bills.
• Tail shape – Ravens have wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tails.
• Flight pattern – Ravens soar more and have deeper wing beats.
• Behavior – Ravens are less social and usually seen alone or in pairs.

Ravens are found throughout many of the same regions as crows but prefer remote wilderness areas over human settlements. Both crows and ravens are highly intelligent, but ravens have demonstrated greater ability with tasks like puzzle-solving.

Conclusion

While magpies and crows share a resemblance and are both highly intelligent corvid species, they belong to separate genuses that have distinct physical attributes and behaviors. Magpies have long graduated tails, black and white plumage, and more melodic voices compared to the all-black crows with their stouter bills and harsh “caw” calls.

While their similarities can create confusion, magpies and crows are taxonomically and genetically distinct bird species that are not directly related. The difference is more apparent when going beyond surface-level features to anatomical structure, geographic ranges, social tendencies, and other behavioral traits that set magpies and crows apart in the natural world.