Iberian Magpie – Not Azure-Winged Magpie!

This is an Iberian Magpie. It is often called an Azure-Winged Magpie here in Portugal, however, this is not strictly correct! Although very similar, the Azure-Winged Magpie is found in Eastern Asia. It was once thought to be the same species, however, they are different.

The Iberian Magpie is found in Central and Southern parts of Spain and Portugal and occur in large, sometimes huge flocks. I have noticed that the flocks tend to follow a similar route every day as they fly from area to area.

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Iberian Magpie - Charneco - Cyanopica cooki
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Grey Heron and a Flock of Iberian Magpies taking a bath (Video)

It’s been quiet on the River Cam the last few days, maybe something related to the rain (yippee!) we’ve been having here in the Algarve.

However, quiet it might be, I still have 2 videos to share.

First up, a Grey Heron decided to visit looking for some aquatic life to feast on. These shallow river pools that are created by the river being dry makes perfect wading areas, however, I suspect the amount of food for the large waders is starting to run out now and the river needs to start running again soon.

[UPDATE] Since writing this post I learnt about the Azure-winged Magpies being the incorrect name for the species found in Europe, it is called the Iberian Magpie, more details can be seen in this post.

{Remember to watch in HD if possible}


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