The Estonian Ornithological Society has chosen Pica pica as bird of the year 2003. This stamp has issued on February 2003.
Pica pica or known as The European Magpie, is a resident breeding bird throughout Europe, much of Asia and northwest Africa.It is one of the commonest birds in Europe.
The characteristics of birds are :
Its head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen.The belly and scapulars (shoulder feathers) are pure white. The wings are black glossed with green or purple, and the primaries have white inner webs, conspicuous when the wing is open. The graduated tail is black, shot with bronze-green and other iridescent colours. The legs and bill are black.The adult bird is 45-48 cm long. On the ground, the magpie skips on two legs, and its flight is of quick fluttering wing beats interspersed with short glides. It makes a loud chattering noise, and it lowers its long tail as it keenly observes the surroundings.
Pica pica or the European Magpie is omnivorous, eating both animal and plant material. It feeds on berries, seeds and fruit as well as insects, snails, slugs, small rodents.
The European Magpies are territorial and stay in their territory all year. The pairs are monogamous, and remain together for the duration of their lives. Should one of the two die, the widow or widower will find a new partner from the stock of yearlings.
