Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years

Simple Summary This study examines the population dynamics and habitat preferences of the Eurasian magpie Pica pica in Zielona Góra over 23 years, highlighting the impact of urbanisation. In 2022, 953 magpie pairs were recorded, with an average density of 8.8 pairs/km2 across the current administrative boundaries of Zielona Góra (without forests), and 27.7 pairs/km2 in strictly urbanised zones. The highest densities were in the old town (36.5 pairs/km2) and residential blocks (34.5 pairs/km2), while the peripheral areas had lower densities. The nests were mostly in coniferous trees, especially spruces, indicating a shift from poplars. The average nest height was 11.8 m, varying by habitat, with taller nests in the old town and parks. The key factors influencing nest density and placement included proximity to trash bins, water sources, and tall trees, reflecting the magpie’s adaptability to urban environments and reliance on anthropogenic resources.

• Publication year

  2025

• Venue

  Animals

• Publication date

  2025-02-28

• Fields of study

  Medicine, Environmental Science

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.3390/ani15050704PMID 40075987PMCID 11898477
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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