What is the Difference Between Male and Female Magpies

The main difference between male and female magpies is that male magpies have a vibrantly white hood/nape, while female magpies have a hood that is greyish towards the bottom.

The colouration of the hood is the most noticeable feature to identify the difference between male and female magpies. However, if observed from a distance, especially when their heads are up, it is difficult to identify their difference. Moreover, in addition to physical differences, there are some differences in their behaviour, as well.

Key Areas Covered

1. Magpies
     – Features, Facts, and Behaviour
2. Male Magpies
     – Characteristics and Behaviour
3. Female Magpies
     – Characteristics and Behaviour
4. What is the Difference Between Male and Female Magpies
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Magpies, Male Magpies, Female Magpies

Magpies – Features, Facts, and Behaviour

Magpies are birds with black and white feathers and a long tail, belonging to the Corvidae family. They inhabit areas like North America, British Isles, North Africa, Portugal, Korea, Southeast Asia and Siberia. They can survive in both urban and rural areas, but they usually prefer open fields with woodlands and trees. Although magpies inhabit highly populated areas, they may become nervous around humans and fly away quickly if a human gets too close.

Moreover, magpies are omnivorous – they eat a wide range of foods, including grain, fruits, insects, and mice. Some even consider them as unwelcome predators. Another interesting fact about magpies is that they mate for life.

Male Magpies – Characteristics and Behaviour

Figure 1: Magpie

The main way to identify a male magpie is to observe its colouring on the nape or hood. On male magpies, the hood is vibrantly white throughout. However, young male magpies have a brown or beige hood, which is lighter in colour than the dark brown hood of young female magpies. Moreover, male magpies are slightly larger than female magpies.

If we look at the behaviour of male magpies, male magpies work together with females to build their nests. They take about 40 days to build a large nest, out of mud, sticks, and grass. However, males don’t incubate the eggs; they provide food for the female while she incubates the eggs. When the eggs are hatched, both share responsibility for feeding and taking care of the young.

Female Magpies – Characteristics and Behaviour

Female magpies have a hood that is greyish towards the bottom. Young female magpies usually have a dark brown hood. Ins some older female magpies, the grey on the hood tends to fade over the years. Another physical difference between male and female magpies is that females tend to be smaller in size.

Figure 2: Male (left) and Female (right)

If we observe their behaviour, female magpies tend to be timider at the start of an association with humans, when compared to males. Furthermore, only female magpies incubate the eggs. Males provide them with food during this period. Once, the eggs are hatched, both share responsibility for feeding and taking care of the young.

Difference Between Male and Female Magpies

Colour of the Hood in Adult Magpies

Male magpies have a vibrantly white hood/nape while female magpies have a hood that is greyish towards the bottom.

Colour of the Hood in Young Magpies

Young male magpies have a brown or beige hood, which is lighter in colour than the dark brown hood of young female magpies.

Size

Female magpies tend to be smaller than male magpies.

Behaviour

Female magpies may tend to be timider at the start of an association with humans, but male magpies are braver.

Incubation of Eggs

Only females incubate the eggs; males provide females with food during the incubation period.

Conclusion

The most noticeable difference between male and female magpies is that male magpies have a vibrantly white hood/nape, while female magpies have a hood that is greyish towards the bottom.

Image Courtesy:

1. “1104835” (CC0) via Pxhere
2. “Tasmanian magpie pair” By KeresH – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

Reference:

1. “How to Tell If Your Magpie Is Male or Female.” The Magpie Whisperer, 26 June 2019, Available here.