MAGPIE . — Pica caudal a. 
The Magpie is common in England, and is well-known on account of its 
beautiful pied plumage and its mischievous character. It mostly eats animal food, 
and is a terrible robber of nests, carrying off the eggs, and even dragging the 
young birds out of their home. 
The nest of the Magpie is a rather complicated edifice, domed, with an entrance 
at the side, and mostly formed on the exterior of thorns, so as to afford an 
effectual protection against any foe who endeavours to force admittance into the 
fortress. Generally the nest is placed at the very summit of some lofty tree, the 
bird usually preferring those trees which run for many feet without a branch. 
