AMERICAN MAGPIE l49 



of its range, where it appears in moderate numbers, the bird is not an 

 outstanding agricultural pest or a serious menace to other wild birds, 

 and the present study has revealed the fact that there are times when 

 its influence may even be decidedly benefic.ial." 



One of the ways magpies come into conflict with man is by inter- 

 ference with his domesticated animals. Magpies come about the herds of 

 stock, in the corral or on the range, mainly for the extra food available 

 there. A large part of this is the group of carrion- and dung-inhabiting 

 insects that they search for and eat. But they sometimes examine the 

 large animals for parasites they may be carrying, and when opportunity 

 offers they open sores or cuts and eat the flesh of the animal itself. 

 This habit has resulted in c.onsiderable losses on occasion, and the bird 

 has a reputation for damage among stockmen, probably far beyond 

 justification. Instances have been reported many times showing the 

 attacks may persist until the death of the horse, cow, or sheep. A full 

 account of injury to sheep by magpies in Montana has been published 

 by Berry (1922). 



It has occurred to many observers that such a habit as the attacking 

 of large domestic animals must have developed first with relation to 

 the larger wild herbivores, and some evidence has been given to verify 

 the supposition. Packard (MS.) sends the information, from Colorado, 

 that magpies are frequently seen picking insec.ts off the heads and backs 

 of Rocky Mountain mule deer and American wapiti, especially in spring, 

 when these animals are infested with ticks. They also have been ob- 

 served on Rocky Mountain bighorns. These animals appear to make 

 no effort to disturb the birds while they are engaged in this activity, 

 although they occasionally turn their heads to look at them. Another 

 observer (Cameron, 1907) concluded that the deer did not appreciate 

 this attention, after he saw a doe push a magpie from her back with 

 her nose. 



A possible indication of the close dependenc.e of magpies on these 

 larger animals was shown in an account of the changes in status of 

 some of the animals in central Alberta, reported from the testimony of 

 old-time buffalo hunters by Farley (1925). He wrote concerning this 

 bird, as follows: 



The appearance of the Magpie in large flocks in this section of the province 

 during the last ten years has been the cause of much discussion. Until 1907, they 

 were unknown north of the Red Deer River. In October of that year the writer 

 observed a pair about six miles north of the town of Lacombc. The following 

 year magpies were reported from the vicinity of Bittern Lake, and from then on, 

 they have gradually become more numerous, until at present they are our com- 

 monest winter resident bird. Magpies were very numerous during the buffalo days 

 when flocks would follow the hunting parties and live on the refuse of the hunt. 



6674&7— 46— 11 



