THE MAGPIE. 



48l 



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 parents hatch with care, 

 each bird sitting alternately. They show great attachment to their 

 progeny, and continue to afford them protection until the young are 

 well advanced towards maturity. 



Fig. 197. — Common Magpie. 



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 a domesticated 

 Magpie, draggled and mutilated, is a miserable-looking object com- 

 pared with the beautiful glossy bird of the thicket. 



The Common Magpie {Pica caudata, Fig. 197) abounds in all parts 

 of the world. Cultivated valleys with natural or artificial woodlands 

 on their slopes ; low ground diversified with fields ; pastures and 



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