Eurasian magpie - Pica pica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Global distribution: Widely distributed throughout Europe and Asia.
Taiwan distribution: It is very common in low-elevation areas of northern and western Taiwan. There have been a few sightings in the Yilan area of eastern Taiwan.
Habitat and behavior: Mainly seen in low-elevation plains or in farming villages adjacent to hills. In recent years, it has become common in cities. It is usually solitary, but can form small groups when hunting for food in trees, open areas or farmland. It produces coarse, hoarse sounds. Its reproductive season is from March to August. It builds nests in tall trees and even on electric towers. It will repair old nests to reuse.
Diet: Omnivorous species. Its diet includes insects, small birds, bird's eggs, reptiles, rodents, fruits and seeds.
First record in Taiwan: Swinhoe, R., 1863. Ibis 1863: 383-387.
Date discovered: 1861.
Location of first discovery: Tainan City.
Excerpt of summary of original text: This species was very numerous on the expansive plain near Tainan, Taiwan. It is a local resident bird. But, it is very rare in the hilly northwestern areas.--From Development History of Birds in Taiwan by Lin Wen-Hong (1997), Taiwan Interminds Publishing.
