Magpies

The division of living beings into systematics is a continuous subject of research. Different systematic classifications exist side by side and one after the other. The taxon treated here has become obsolete due to new research or is not part of the group systematics presented in the German-language Wikipedia.

As Elsterchen ( Spermestes Swainson , 1837), a no longer valid has been genus from the family of finches called. Today the three species are placed in the genus Lonchura .

Names

The name magpie does not indicate that these birds are exceptionally small and graceful among the finches. With their body length of 9 to 12 centimeters, they correspond to the size of the other representatives. Rather, it is named for its black and white plumage, which is reminiscent of a magpie .

distribution

Magpies are native to Africa. Their distribution area extends from Senegal through West Africa south to Angola . On the eastern side of Africa, its distribution area extends from Ethiopia through Kenya and Tanzania to the east of South Africa .

species

• Gloss magpie ( Spermestes bicolor )
• Little Magpie ( Spermestes cucullata )
• Giant Magpie ( Spermestes fringilloides )

literature

• Horst Bielfeld : The finch book. All species, their keeping, care and breeding. Eugen Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart 1996, ISBN 3-8001-7327-1 .