94 Our Pilfering, Chatterbox Friend, the Magpie.


haunted ; even the fowler is frequently spoiled of his sport, for all

other birds seem to know the alarming chatter of the Magpie.


“ This bird is easily tamed and chatters to those who feed

him, imitates human voices and performs many amusing tricks.

Like many of the Crow family, it has a strange desire to pilfer and

secrete small, shining objects, especially pieces of money, and in this

way is extremely mischievous when allowed to go about the house.


“The Magpie is found throughout Europe,” (we remembered

one, a pet, in a hotel court at Sara, on the East Adriatic), “ and is

constantly seen in the meadows and fields of England, France,

Germany and Italy. It is also abundant in the United States,

though it is confined to the western regions, that is from Texas

northward, through Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and the British

dominions, to latitude 58.


Some naturalists suppose this must be a distinct species, as,

by a strange instinct, it remains fixed in the unsettled territories of

the West; while in Europe it seems to haunt the abodes of man. It

has, however, the same size, markings, structure and habits as the

foreign Magpie, and is, therefore, supposed to be of the same species.

Travellers in the west are sometimes very much annoyed with them,

as they will often penetrate their tents and snatch the meat from

the dishes, and if a horse chance to have a sore back, they will

descend upon it and attempt to make a meal of the living flesh ! ”


That’s your thing' of beauty, Jack,” we answered, teasing,

as the man concluded.


“ I don’t care . . . ,” Jack had his answer. “I guess I know

a pretty bird when I see one. Anyhow, here’s for another snap shot

of the birds,” and while the keeper took out a favourite in the flock,

let it perch on his finger and chatter at him. Jack secured the

unique picture of a real Magpie’s nest in an aviary.


Where’s Ethel? Nellie! Mother’s in the kitchen !” then,

sub-rosa, plain and distinct as any human voice might be : “ Maggie,

how’s that cold ? ” the famous bird of the Denver Zoo chattered.

After this he coughed, scolded and began anew till the keeper set his

tongue at rest with some coveted tit-bit or other from his pockets.



