MAGPIE. 101 
MAGPIE. 
Pica rustica, Scop. 
Pl. XVI, figs. 5, 6. 
Geogr. distr—Entire Palearctic region; common in Great Britain. 
Food.—Insects in various stages, birds’ eggs, young chickens and 
other small birds, reptiles, mice, carrion, grain and fruit. 
Nest.—A large bulky construction of sticks (which are for the most 
part thorny), the true nest covered by a strong dome, and itself formed 
of fine roots and dried grass on a foundation of earth, which is plas- 
tered upon sticks forming the bottom of the external structure. 
Position of nest.—Hither high up in a tree or low down in a bush 
or hedge; it is also said sometimes to build under eaves, or even on 
the ground. 
Number of eggs.—6-8. 
Time of ndrfication.—IV-V. 
The Magpie is said to be very destructive to eggs of 
game; it unquestionably is to eggs of the smaller birds, 
such as the Blackbird and Thrush. It also sometimes robs 
poultry-yards and preserves of young chicks, and thus 
brings swift destruction upon itself. Nevertheless it is still 
an abundant species in the county of Kent, and I have 
frequently seen several pairs at a time flying off at my 
approach in a small wood near Newington on the Chatham 
and Dover line. The Jay is equally common in the same 
wood, but I have not seen the nest of either species there, 
though I have known of nests of the Pie within two miles 
of that place. 
When domesticated the Magpie exhibits the same nature 
as the Jackdaw, pilfering any shining object, destroying 
fancy work, tormenting any dog or cat small enough not 
to be feared, and generally proving itself what is known 
as a ‘delightful torment.” The Magpie, the Jackdaw, or 
the Chough, when petted, are as amusing, and, at the 
same time, require as much watching, as a monkey; like 
that animal, they are ever on the look out for self-gratifica- 
tion, no matter at what cost to their fellow creatures. 
