uk birdwatcher for millions of years, but stuck on this one! (3 Viewers)

[daidwr]

Hi all - a friend has sent me these pics taken today in Basingstoke (Hampshire, UK). I don't recognise this at all, and a Google search hasn't helped. My best guess is an unusually-coloured magpie, as the pics on the table look magpie/corvid-like; though the pic on the fence looks more shrike-ish or myna-like. Maybe an escapee?

Help appreciated - thank you!

 

[THE_FERN]

Hi all - a friend has sent me these pics taken today in Basingstoke (Hampshire, UK). I don't recognise this at all, and a Google search hasn't helped. My best guess is an unusually-coloured magpie, as the pics on the table look magpie/corvid-like; though the pic on the fence looks more shrike-ish or myna-like. Maybe an escapee?

Help appreciated - thank you!

Young magpie. These qs probably better in the ID forum...

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, welcome to the forum on behalf of the staff and moderators. I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group. I’m going to move this to the ID forum for you for confirmation, even though it looks like you have an answer.

 

[Derbyfella]

Magpie for me.

 

[Butty]

An aberrant magpie. I don't see any sign that it's young.

 

[delia todd]

Hi daidwr and a warm welcome from me too. The brownish plumage could lead to either a juvenile or a leucistic adult. which would also explain the unusual plumage on the back too. I think the latter is more likely.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

[Southern Viking]

It's 100% a Magpie and 100% Leucistic for starters.

The fact it's leucistic suggests its feathers are weaker and may explain the wear on them. Normal juveniles don't have that much pale on the wings or pale brown bits that are normally black.