BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 47 



could not buy, sell, or offer for sale birds of this species. Notwith- 

 standing this, large numbers of young birds are taken annually 

 from their nests and sold in the towns for garden pets. Very 

 entertaining and useful ones they are, too. Because this bird 

 may often be seen busy in a field of sprouting grain, some farmers 

 labour under the impression that it is the grain it is after, but 

 a little time spent in investigation would show that it is the pests 

 affecting the crops that the Magpie so diligently searches for. 



A most lamentable number of Magpies are destroyed every 

 year through the careless and indiscriminate laying of poison for 

 rabbits and Sparrows. There are a certain number of agriculturists 

 who cannot, or will not, see any good in birds, and who consider 

 that even their total annihilation would have no effect on the many 

 " pests " with which they are plagued. 



The food of this species is almost entirely insectivorous; in 

 the winter seeds and any stray grains are added to the menu. 

 Grass-grubs are greatly sought after. 



When not engaged in seeking food most of the time is passed 

 among the branches of lofty trees. It moves in flocks of, say, six 

 to a dozen individuals, although occasionally larger companies may 

 be seen. The largest I have seen round Launcestou consisted of 47 

 birds. Round Conara (the native name of the Magpie) and other 

 midland districts even larger flocks may be seen. This bird is 

 of a somewhat pugnacious disposition, always quite willing to cross 

 swords with one of its own species or any other bird; or, if tame, 

 it does not scruple to try conclusions with a cat or dog. Hawks 

 a"re its pet aversion, not an opportunity being lost to harass every 

 one that comes near. On one occasion a Hawk was too clever 

 for its tormentors. Some half-dozen Magpies were chasing one 

 away from a tree which contained a nest and young birds. 

 Suddenly the Hawk doubled, and, darting straight for the tree, 

 plucked a young bird from out of the nest and sailed triumphantly 

 away. 



A Magpie makes an entertaining pet, though after a while it 

 becomes very mischievous, and delights in pulling up freshly-set 

 plants. 



This bird is one of our best songsters, its voice being both very 

 powerful and pleasing. Early on a summer's morning nothing, is 

 more delightful than to hear a number of Magpies pouring forth 

 their melodious song while swaying on the topmost bough of some 

 lofty tree. Morning and evening are the times when most singing 

 is done, but it is no uncommon thing to hear the birds burst into 

 song in the middle of some bright moonlight night. 



The wing power of this bird is very great ; it can dash through 

 the air with marvellous rapidity. Long distances (comparatively) 

 speaking) are traversed without perceptible movement of the out- 

 stretched wings. 



