THE BIRD-LIFE OF LONDON 
possibly be established in all the big parks, where its 
strongly contrasted plumage and interesting ways could 
not fail to prove an increased attraction. For the most 
part the Magpie is a somewhat solitary bird, seldom more 
than a pair being seen in company, and as likely as not 
odd individuals. But there are times when more social 
tendencies are displayed. In spring and autumn small 
parties assemble occasionally, and in winter especially 
certain roosting-places are common to numbers. ‘The 
Magpie seeks most of its food on the ground; otherwise 
it loves the trees, and may often be seen—a fluttering 
mixture of black and white—passing from one isolated 
tree to another, usually flying up into the branches in 
preference to descending into them. It is shy and wary 
at most times, but in the breeding season often displays 
more trustfulness. Its food chiefly consists of worms, 
insects, and grubs, fruit, acorns, beech-mast, and any 
carrion it may meet with. It is also an inveterate egg- 
stealer, despoiling many nests, and will frequently carry 
off a young chick. Its note is a harsh chatter, heard 
most frequently at nightfall, and in the breeding season 
modulated in a variety of ways. ‘The Magpie pairs for 
life, and yearly frequents the same nest, or builds another 
in the vicinity. ‘This is usually made in a tree or lofty 
hedge, but sometimes an isolated bush is selected ; and 
very” often a site is chosen quite close to a house. It is a 
massive, well-built structure formed outwardly of sticks 
facie by preference—cemented together with large 
quantities of clay or mud, which material forms the inner 
cup. At this stage an intricate roof of sticks is added, a 
passage through them being left on one side near the rim ; 
and finally a thick lining of roots is added. ‘The eges, 
from six to nine in number, range from cream to bluish 
green, densely blotched and freckled: over most, of the 
surface with olive-brown, and occasionally streaked with 
darker brown. During incubation the sitting bird slips 
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