It is common for people to wonder about the relationship between magpies and crows, often asking if they are the same bird. This widespread confusion stems from their somewhat similar appearances and the fact that both species frequently inhabit the same environments, leading to misidentification. Understanding the distinctions between these birds can clarify their unique characteristics and shared traits.
Their Place in the Avian Family Tree
Magpies and crows both belong to the same scientific family, Corvidae, commonly known as the crow family. This family is part of the larger order Passeriformes, which includes perching birds and songbirds.
Despite this shared ancestry within Corvidae, magpies and crows are not the same species or even the same genus. Crows are classified under the genus Corvus, which includes species such as the American crow and Eurasian crow. Magpies, however, are found across several genera, including Pica, Urocissa, Cissa, and Cyanopica, with the well-known Eurasian magpie belonging to the Pica genus. This familial relationship means they share a distant common ancestor but have followed distinct evolutionary paths, resulting in their differing features.
Key Differences Between Magpies and Crows
One notable difference between magpies and crows is their size. Crows are generally larger birds, with a wingspan that can reach approximately 36 inches. Magpies are typically smaller, possessing a wingspan ranging from about 20 to 24 inches, and measure between 45 to 60 centimeters from head to tail. Their body builds also differ, with crows often appearing stockier compared to the more slender magpies.
Their plumage also provides clear distinctions. Crows are almost entirely black, though a few species may have some white or gray markings. Magpies, in contrast, are distinctively black and white, with their black feathers often displaying an iridescent sheen of blue, green, or purple, particularly visible on their wings and tail in certain lighting. This iridescence is not due to pigment but rather the microscopic structure of their feathers. Magpies also possess a long, wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped tail, which can be as long as their body. Crows have a much shorter, fan-shaped tail.
Vocalizations offer another way to tell them apart. Crows are known for their harsh, often loud “caw” sounds. Magpies, on the other hand, produce a distinctive, repetitive chattering sound, often described as “chak-chak,” and can also make more melodious calls. Behavioral patterns also diverge; crows frequently form larger, more communal groups, while magpies typically gather in smaller family units or pairs. Additionally, their nesting habits differ, as crows construct cup-shaped nests, whereas magpies build large, dome-shaped structures, sometimes with an inner mud cup.
Shared Traits and Why They Are Confused
Despite their differences, magpies and crows share several characteristics that contribute to the common confusion. Both species are recognized for their exceptional intelligence, ranking among the most cognitively advanced birds. Their brains are notably large relative to their body size, a trait comparable to that of great apes, and they exhibit complex problem-solving abilities and tool use. The Eurasian magpie, for instance, is one of the few non-mammalian species known to pass the mirror self-recognition test.
Both magpies and crows are omnivorous, consuming a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, fruits, nuts, and carrion. Their adaptability is another shared trait, enabling them to thrive in a wide range of habitats, from urban settings to open grasslands and woodlands.
The general dark coloration of both birds and their similar overall shape can make initial identification challenging. This superficial resemblance, combined with their shared intelligence and presence in similar geographic areas, often leads people to question if a magpie is simply a type of crow.