Black Magpie?

[Deleted]

One for the bird experts. I had in my garden tonight what appeared to be a black Magpie. Other than it's tail feathers, which were standard Magpie blue, there wasn't a single speck of white on it. It had the same shape, size, and walk of a Magpie but was black from head to toe. Any ideas as to what it was? I know they are a member of the crow family but it definitely wasn't a crow.

[philglt]

Hi Ste,

If you Google "Melanistic Magpie" you will see that they do occur (and not just for Magpies)...not common,but a genetic mutation.

Phil

[Deleted]

Thanks for letting me know Phil. Very interesting.