MAGPIE. INSESSORES. PICA. 359 



and, although shy, and singularly wary, is frequently seen 

 near the habitation of man. In diet, it is omnivorous. No Food, 

 animal food, observes MONTAGU, comes amiss to its voracious 

 appetite. It preys indiscriminately upon young poultry, 

 eggs, and tender lambs, as well as the most offensive carrion. 

 Is very destructive to the young of all kinds of game, and 

 does not refuse grain, insects, and worms. 



These birds are usually observed in pairs, and continue 

 together through the whole year. At times, however, they 

 appear to hold social meetings, during which T they are very 

 clamorous, and maintain a continued chattering. In winter, 

 they often assemble in numbers to roost in particular districts, 

 but separate again through the day. When an old bird of 

 this species has been shot, or caught in a trap, during the 

 breeding season, I have frequently been surprised at the short 

 period that intervened before the survivor was provided with 

 another mate, in some instances scarcely exceeding the space 

 of a day. 



In the fabrication of its nest, the Magpie displays wonder- Nest, &c. 

 ful ingenuity, rendering it not only a sheltered and warm re- 

 sidence for its young, but even a secure fortress against ex- 

 ternal enemies. The outer part is composed of sticks, lined 

 with a thick plastering of clay, on which is disposed a soft 

 bed of the small fibres of roots and dry grass. Over the 

 body of the nest is erected a covering or dome, composed of 

 the sharpest thorny twigs (those of the black or sloe thorn 

 being generally preferred), closely interwoven, so as to pre- 

 clude all entrance except at one or two small lateral holes, 

 barely large enough for the admission and egress of the 

 owners. The number of the eggs is from six to eight, of a 

 yellowish-grey colour, speckled with yellowish-brown. The 

 place selected for nidification varies, depending on the faci- 

 lities afforded, but always with a view to security. Where 

 trees abound, that which is loftiest, or difficult of access, is 

 chosen, and, in failure of these, the most impenetrable hedge 

 or thorn bush. If taken young, it soon becomes tame, and, 



