Iberian Azure-winged Magpie

The Iberian magpie, Cyanopica cooki, is a member of the crow family, presenting a slender figure with a glossy black cap and a white throat. Its underparts and back are clothed in a light grey-fawn, while its wings and elongated tail, measuring 16–20 cm, boast a striking azure blue.

Identification Tips

To identify the Iberian magpie, look for its smaller legs and bill compared to the Eurasian magpie. The contrast between the glossy black head, white throat, and azure blue wings and tail is distinctive.

Habitat

This bird graces the Iberian Peninsula, favoring coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by pines, as well as broadleaf woodlands. It is also quite at home in parks and gardens.

Distribution

The Iberian magpie is native to southwestern and central Spain and Portugal. Sightings have been reported as far north as southwestern France and even in northwestern Italy.

Behaviour

Iberian magpies are sociable creatures, often foraging in family groups or larger flocks, which can number up to 70 individuals. Post-breeding season and during winter months, they are known to congregate in substantial numbers.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet is primarily composed of acorns and pine nuts, but they also have a taste for invertebrates and their larvae, soft fruits, berries, and will not shy away from human-provided scraps in urban settings.

Breeding

These birds tend to nest in loose colonies, with each tree hosting a single nest. The average clutch size is 6.2 eggs, but only about a third of nesting attempts lead to success, with an average of 5.1 young fledging.

Conservation status

The Iberian magpie is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.