The MAGPIE (_Pica caudata_) stands first upon our list, as being
familiar to us all, and also because it presents many characteristics
that associate it with the family of Ravens--indeed, it might almost
be described as a Crow with a long tail, though its beak is shorter and
more curved, the wings shorter and more rounded, the tarsi higher, and
the plumage softer and thicker than in that bird. The lower part of the
breast and the feathers upon the shoulders are white, and the rest of the
coat black, with a rich and varied lustre upon its surface. The eyes are
brown, the beak and feet black. This species is about one foot six inches
long, its breadth one foot ten inches; the wing measures seven inches,
and the tail ten inches.
[Illustration: THE MAGPIE (_Pica caudata_).]
The Magpie is met with throughout the whole extent of Europe, in Thibet,
Northern Asia, and North Africa: in North America it is represented by a
very similar bird: but the distribution of the Magpies is very unequal;
some districts it seems carefully to avoid, and yet in a neighbouring
province it may be found in large numbers. It seldom visits mountains,
open plains, or thick forests, but usually inhabits lightly wooded parts
of the country, such localities being preferred as are frequented by
man, in whom it shows the utmost confidence. In Scandinavia, where it
is regarded with the greatest favour, it seeks its food in farmyards
or the courts that surround the houses, and builds beneath the roofs.
It is always stationary, and never wanders to any great distance from
its abode, except during the winter, invariably returning to its old
haunts. The movements of the Magpie differ in many respects from those
of the Ravens; its gait is similar, but the tail is borne aloft, to act
as a kind of balance to the body of the bird; its flight is heavy, being
effected by sweeping strokes of the wing, and should the wind be at all
high is very unsteady--indeed, as a rule, it never flies, except when
compelled to do so in going from one tree to another. As regards its
intelligence, and the development of its senses, the Magpie will bear
comparison with any of its kindred. In its intercourse with man it seems
easily to distinguish between friends and enemies; towards the latter
it shows itself bold, and sometimes cruel; but in its relations with
its fellows it is extremely social. Its voice is harsh and monotonous.
Magpies will occasionally congregate with other species in flocks of
moderate size, though they more generally live in small parties; during
the breeding season the conferences held between them are extremely
amusing, and the sounds they produce much varied in expression, the
assembly chattering with such noise and earnestness as to have given rise
to sundry popular proverbs.
These birds live upon insects of all kinds, as well as fruit, seeds, and
berries; they do incalculable mischief in the fields, and destroy great
numbers of eggs during the spring--indeed, their murderous propensities
would almost bear comparison with those of the Falcon, for they will not
only attack small birds, but occasionally fall upon fowls, ducklings,
or pheasants so suddenly that their victims are quite unprepared to act
on the defensive. In Norway it is popularly supposed that the Magpie
begins its nest on Christmas Day; with us the preparations for building
are not made till the commencement of spring. The nest is placed at the
summit of a tree, or in some countries, as we have said, upon the tops
of houses, and is formed of twigs or dry leaves, covered with a thick
layer of clay; within this is placed a bed of delicate fibres or hair,
upon which the eggs are deposited; the structure is then protected from
the attacks of an enemy by a roof of dry thorns or twigs, woven lightly
together, but sufficiently strong to keep off intruders; the entrance to
the nest is effected through a hole at the side. The brood consists of
seven or eight eggs of a green colour, sprinkled with brown spots. In
three weeks the young are hatched, and are fed by both parents on a great
variety of insects, earthworms and snails, the greatest caution being
employed to avoid discovery of the nest; and so attached are the parents
to their offspring, that we have known a female continue to brood after
having received a shot in her body. When taken young from the nest the
Magpie becomes extremely tame, and, like others of its race, soon learns
to imitate words and whistle tunes, without having been subjected to the
operation of _tongue slitting_, popularly supposed to be necessary before
these birds can be taught to speak; in spite of their docility they are,
however, most troublesome creatures, and tales without number might be
told of the mischief they have wrought by throwing suspicion on innocent
people by their thievish propensities, for they seem to delight in
abstracting any bright or glittering object that attracts their attention.