222 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



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THE MAGPIE. 



Of all birds found in Great Britain, but few excel the 

 Magpie in the richness of their feathered garb. The 

 metallic glow which pervades much of its i^lumage, and 

 the caudal feathers glowing as they do in green, purple, 

 bronze, and gold, cause the bird to be no mean rival of 

 many of the finest feathered gems that frequent the 

 blazing latitudes of the south. 



We find the Magpie plentifully distributed in the 

 woods and coppices all the year round. We also see him 

 in the pastures, sometimes perched on the backs of the 

 feeding cattle, who take not the slightest notice of his 

 presence, or searching for food on the ground around 

 him, occasionally jerking his tail with a graceful sylph- 

 like motion. The sight of a Magpie always gives me 

 pleasure. There is something so graceful and buoyant 

 about his flight, notwithstanding his comparatively short 

 wings. Then, too, his colouring is so beautifully varied, 

 that when the bird is in motion, and you happen to be 

 stationed in such a manner as to see the sun shining on 

 his refulgent caudal plumage, together with part of the 

 wings, and the black and white portions contrasting 

 richly, the latter glistening in the sunlight, the effect is 

 most beautiful. His harsh notes are also in harmony 

 with the verdant woods or barren moors, for on both 

 these situations we see the wary Magpie. 



The Magpie is very probably a life-paired species, 



