150 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA : 



northern form. In many birds it is the male that sings 

 or warbles, but in the case of the Magpie both the sexes 

 give forth their delightful note. 



As destroyers of chafer grubs, cutworms, and grass- 

 hoppers, the magpies have few equals. During ploughing 

 operations, they may be seen following hard at work 

 at the grubs, which are devoured in enormous quantities. 



The nest, which is built of sticks, twigs, &c., and is 

 lined with grass and feathers, is usually located up in a 

 tree, a commanding position being frequently selected. 

 The eggs are usually three or four to a clutch, but some- 

 times five have been found. 



This bird should be protected as far as possible, but 

 when it appears in such numbers as to become a pest to 

 the farmer, a judicious thinning out may be desirable. 



The Magpie is found also in New South Wales and South 

 Australia. 



