Azure-winged Magpie

The Azure-winged Magpie is a striking bird with pale blue wings and tail that stand out against its black head and white throat. Its body is a soft grey-brown, giving it an elegant look quite different from other magpies found in Europe. It is about 35 centimetres long and moves through woodland in small, noisy groups, often making soft chattering sounds. This bird is native to eastern Asia, but there is an unusual isolated group in the Iberian Peninsula. It prefers open pine and oak woodlands, parks, and orchards. The reason for this unusual spread remains a mystery. The birds are very social all year, feeding together on insects, seeds, and fruits both in the trees and on the ground. When flying, the bright blue panels on its wings are easy to see, which helps to identify it in its small European range.