Birds of Leabank Square - Magpie

This magpie has been visiting our green often - and can often be heard - before seen!

You have got to admit - it is a magnificent bird - and we are very lucky to have it!!

Magpies seem to be jacks of all trades - scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers, their challenging, almost arrogant attitude has won them few friends. With its noisy chattering, black-and-white plumage and long tail, there is nothing else quite like the magpie in the UK.

When seen close-up its black plumage takes on an altogether more colourful hue with a purplish-blue iridescent sheen to the wing feathers, and a green gloss to the tail.