THE MAGPIE 
the handsome tints of his parents. His head, neck, 
throat and back become a velvety-black, his under- 
plumage white, and his wings and tail have beautiful 
blue and green and bronze reflections. 
There is no more hungry creature than the 
young Magpie, and his Mother is kept hard at work 
supplying his needs. Sad to say, these birds are not 
content with worms, snails, slugs and other insect 
pests, but they do not scruple to raid the other 
birds’ nests, eat their eggs and carry off their young. 
The Magpie pairs for life, but, should Mrs. 
Magpie be killed, her mate soon finds another 
partner. 
Shining things that could not be of the least 
possible use to him have a great attraction for Mr. 
Magpie. He will steal these whenever he has the 
chance, and because of this habit he makes a rather 
tiresome, though amusing, pet. 
One interesting bird named Maggie lived at 
ease for some years in a kind bird-lover’s house. 
She was much favoured and indulged, although the 
quantity of small articles that she stole was enor- 
mous. She learned to say many words, and would 
come quickly if she were called. Every morning she 
23 
