The Maghreb magpie is a species of magpie found in North Africa from Morocco east to Tunisia. It can be distinguished from the Eurasian magpie by the patch of blue skin behind its eye, the narrower white belly, the shorter wings, and the longer tail.
Region
Maghreb
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal Morocco east through northern Algeria to northern Tunisia, mainly within the Mediterranean-climate belt. It favors mosaic landscapes with open ground and scattered trees, such as farmland, orchards, olive groves, and scrubby slopes. The species also uses riverine thickets and urban parks where cover and foraging patches are interspersed. It avoids dense forests and vast treeless deserts but persists in semi-arid fringes where shrubs and cultivation provide structure.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Maghreb magpie is the only magpie native to Northwest Africa and is readily told from the Eurasian magpie by a patch of bare blue skin behind the eye. Like other corvids, it is highly intelligent, opportunistic, and adept at caching food for later. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes, frequenting orchards, farms, and suburban areas.
Pica pica mauritanica (MHNT)
Temperament
social and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories year-round. Pairs are largely monogamous and build bulky, domed stick nests in trees or tall shrubs. Both sexes partake in nest construction and provisioning of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh chatters, rattles, and scolding calls, often delivered in bursts. It also produces softer contact notes within pairs and family groups, and may vary tempo and harshness in alarm contexts.
