388 



British Cage Birds. 



than the female. The colour of his plumage is more intense 

 and brilliant, and clearer in the different hues that pervade 

 the feathers. The head of the male bird is fuller and 

 rounder, and the bird itself more active and alert ; in other 

 respects there is much similarity. The hens, as a rule, are 

 the stouter and larger birds. 



Song. — Magpies are not song birds ; but, when taken 

 at an early age, and reared by hand, they can, with little 

 trouble, be taught to talk well, and almost fluently. It is 

 necessary in most cases, however, to sever the ligature that 

 binds the tongue with a pair of small, sharp scissors, but 

 the operation should be performed either by an expert or a 

 surgeon. Magpies have been known to repeat words without 

 this operation having been performed, but they never articu- 

 late so well, or speak so freely, as birds which have had 

 their tongues liberated. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Obtain a sleek, 

 closely-feathered, majestic bird ; one about two years old, with 

 great depth of colour and brilliancy of sheen on the feathers, 

 the black portions having the appearance of velvet, and the 

 white pure and unsullied. The tail is an important feature in 

 the Magpie ; it should be long, well-formed, gracefully carried, 

 and resplendent with the iridescent radiance pervading the 

 back and wings. The exhibit must be free from dirt, and 

 in good condition in all respects ; the feet and claws should 

 be well formed. 



General Eemarks. — Magpies are natural thieves ; it is an 

 instinct that cannot be altered, either by careful training or 

 correction ; hence a watchful eye is necessary where these 

 birds are allowed their liberty, as they will carry off every- 

 thing in the shape of edibles or ornaments that their 

 strength will permit ; they are most partial to coins and 

 objects that are bright and glittering, and endeavour to hide 

 these in any hole or crevice that can be found, unless they 

 have access to a stable-loft, or dovecote, or similalr place 

 of retreat, in which to conceal their ill-gotten gains. There 

 is not a bird of any species more entertaining than a well- 

 trained Magpie, when it has been thoroughly domesticated. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The Magpie is a very 

 hardy, robust bird, but possessed of a voracious appetite when 

 in health ; having a disposition to eat any comestible which 



