50S PASSERINES. 



when executed found to have been innocent, the true culprit being 

 the pet Magpie of the house. 



The Magpie is a bold, impudent bird, which is easily put to 

 ^ight by man, but will fearlessly harass a dog, a fox, or any of the 

 smaller birds of prey. Having caused one of these to retreat, 

 it pursues it vigorously, rousing by its cries all the birds of its 

 hind ; and what with its own energy and the combined efforts 

 of its kindred, it generally succeeds in utterly discomfiting the 

 intruder. Its action is unceasing, its movement short and jerky ; 

 but it is heavy on the wing. It cries and chatters incessantly. 

 Hence the proverb to "chatter like a Magpie." It builds its nest 

 of withered shrubs, dry sticks, and sand, on the highest branch 

 of some lofty tree, it is and equally remarkable for its form, 

 size, and solidity. This fabric has many beginnings : the 

 foundation of the last and permanent structure is laid with 

 infinite precautions, to avert observation. This care is taken, 

 according to M. Nordmann, in order to mislead those who are 

 spies on its actions; for it is in this last nest that the female 

 deposits her eggs. If this fact were clearly established, it would 

 show a great amount of cunning in the bird. 



The Magpie lays seven eggs, which the parent birds hatch with 

 care, each bird sitting alternately. They show great attachment 

 to their progeny,' and continue to exercise their protection and 

 solicitude until the young are well advanced towards maturity. 



The Magpie is tamed with facility, and soon becomes familiar, 

 assiduously following its master everywhere, and eagerly seeking 

 his caresses, so that it is necessary sometimes to shut it up to get 

 rid of its importunities. It readily learns to repeat a few words, 

 '■'mag" being the favourite in its vocabulary. The ability to 

 pronounce words is said to be increased by extending the soft 

 fibrous slit which binds the lower part of the tongue to the palate. 

 But, compared with the beautiful glossy bird of the thicket, the 

 domesticated Magpie, draggled and mutilated, is a miserable- 

 looking object. 



The Common Magpie {Pica melan'oleuca), Fig. 217, abounds in 

 all parts of the world. Cultivated valleys with natural or artificial 

 woodlands on their slopes ; low ground diversified with fields ; 

 pastures and moors partially covered with plantations; fertile 



