by the settlers they become so familiar that 

 they will approach their dwellings, in small 

 flocks and perch on the surrounding fences. 

 They feed entirely on insects, such as locusts 

 and grasshoppers, they also eat centipedes 

 and worms. When tamed the Magpie will 

 learn to whistle and repeat words, and imitate 

 the voices of different animals. Sometimes it 

 seems a saucy bird, especially when it pretends 

 to cry like the dear baby that we all love, but we 

 know that the Magpie does not mean to annoy 

 us, but only to amuse itself. We must not be 

 angry either if the Magpie hops off with a 

 spoon, or any other small article, in its bill, 

 because it is a very active playful bird, and 

 will repay us for all its little tricks by sing- 

 ing a cheerful happy song. 



