Magpies in Northern Ireland
When the Magpie (Pica pica) is present in Northern Ireland, when it nests, and which native Northern Ireland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Northern Ireland
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–June
- Size
- 45 cm, 230 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
- Delivery
- Perch Supply ships to the UK
When to expect magpies in Northern Ireland
The Magpie lives in Northern Ireland all year round. Rarely severe; winter thrushes and finches from Scandinavia and Iceland arrive from October.
Mild, wet and windy maritime climate with few temperature extremes.
Nesting in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland the Magpie usually nests April–June. Nest site: domed stick nest in trees. Clutches are 5–6 eggs, incubated for 21–22 days; chicks fledge after 24–30 days, and pairs raise 1 per year.
- The Magpie does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Northern Ireland plants for magpies
Of the native plants we track for Northern Ireland, these 8 provide food the Magpie uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.
Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
Feeding in the garden
Omnivorous — insects, carrion, fruit and eggs.
- Does not visit feeders — habitat and water are what bring it in.
- Research shows Magpies do not drive garden songbird declines.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are magpies in Northern Ireland all year?
Yes — the Magpie is resident in Northern Ireland all year.
When do magpies nest in Northern Ireland?
Typically April–June. Clutches are 5–6 eggs, incubated for 21–22 days, with 1 per year.
Which native plants help magpies in Northern Ireland?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Northern Ireland and provide food or cover the Magpie uses.
Magpies in other countries
Other garden birds in Northern Ireland
Sources
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.