The Yellow-billed Magpie 



A bulky sphere, or inverted pear-shaped mass of sticks, greets the 

 investigator, for the upper dome, or cover, is likely to be a little larger 

 than the lower, which contains the nesting bowl proper. Three feet in 

 depth by two and a half in width, over all, are the regulation dimensions 

 for these castles; but I have seen splendid nests, all new construction, 

 which measured 4^ by 3^2 feet, roughly thirty-three and a half cubic 

 feet of material, including house room. The bowl, or matrix, is some- 

 times formed of mud, but oftener of cow-dung, for this substance is both 

 more convenient and more durable for birds in the cattle country. The 

 wall of an experienced builder dips gracefully to the depth of an inch or 

 two at the entrance; while the entire bowl is from seven to ten inches in 

 diameter inside, by from four to seven in depth to the floor-lining. Of 

 course, this large space is not completely occupied by the body of the 

 sitting bird. It is only a provision for that roomful of youngsters which 

 is on the way. In at least one instance I have noted a second or inner 

 hollow, in the mud cup, exactly fitted to the dimensions of the sitting 

 bird. 



Eggs to the number of seven, rarely more, are deposited upon a 

 generous mattress lining of roots or coiled grasses. Incubation lasts 

 twenty-one days, during which time the bared breast of the brooding bird 

 is grievously tormented with fleas. There is no time for recuperation, 

 though, after the youngsters come. Life, instead, becomes one long 

 nightmare of effort to fill seven insatiable maws. What wonder, then, 

 if milady, and milord as well, help themselves freely to certain store- 

 houses of albuminous nourishment duly made and provided by their 

 less fortunate feathered neighbors? Or what wonder if Lady Mourning 

 Dove and Sir Meadowlark are requisitioned for squabs and broilers? 

 Let him that is without sin among us cast the first stone. 



Another brief, also, can be made out in defense of the Magpie. His 

 deserted tenements are exceedingly useful both as retreats and as domiciles 

 for certain other birds. Come to think of it, though, the "other birds," 

 Sparrow Hawk, Long-eared Owl, and Pacific Horned Owl, belong them- 

 selves to the brigand list. Perhaps we would better not press that plea. 



One hesitates to recommend these vanishing fowls as cage-birds, 

 not because they are not commendable, but because they are vanishing. 

 Our legislature has placed wise restraints upon the use of native birds 

 as captives. But those who will undertake the task of foster-parenthood 

 seriously, and provide adequate quarters and abundant food for their 

 pets — such will find the Magpie among their most interesting pensioners. 

 An aviculturist of wide experience, Mr. H. R. Noack, of Oakland, secured 

 two Yellow-billed Magpies which furnished him and his friends no end 

 of sport. One of the birds, a male, "John Henry, " developed a gratifying 



42 



