Magpies have a reputation as thieves out to steal your shiny jewelry or take ornaments from your garden, but new research shows that flashy objects probably repel magpies.<\/p>\n
The myth seems to have built up without much science to back it up, but the truth could actually be useful.<\/p>\n
Magpies are capable of wrecking crops by digging for grain, berries and other food, so along with other bird-scaring measures, placing shiny materials in fields might deter magpies and keep crops safe from being upturned and trampled.<\/p>\n
2. Magpies Will Eat Almost Anything, Including Bird Eggs and Chicks<\/h2>\n![\"Magpies](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" "\\"\\"")
Magpies can be threats to farms<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhile their natural diet is quite broad \u2014 including insects, small rodents, grain and berries \u2013magpies have been known to steal other birds\u2019 eggs, and even young chicks.<\/p>\n
In addition, magpies have adapted rather well to suburban living, so they\u2019ll often eat leftover food scraps. But it\u2019s better to provide them with proper bird food to ensure they don\u2019t eat anything poisonous.<\/p>\n
3. Magpies Are Closely Related to Crows, Jays and Ravens<\/h2>\nMagpies fly the nest a little later than many birds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThough they may look quite a bit different at first glance, magpies belong to the bird family Corvidae, a group that includes crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws and jays, as well as lesser recognized members like treepies, choughs and nutcrackers.<\/p>\n
As such, magpies are among the most intelligent family of birds recognized by modern science. Which leads us to our next fact:<\/p>\n
4. Magpies Recognize Themselves in Mirrors<\/h2>\na magpie feather<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEuropean magpies have demonstrated the remarkable ability to recognize their own reflections in mirrors, something that was once thought to be a defining characteristic belonging only to humans. This might not sound that amazing, but out of countless species tested, only four ape species, bottlenose dolphins and Asian elephants have demonstrated this ability.<\/p>\n
Scientists tested the magpies by placing a colored mark on their necks \u2014 which did not hurt or cause skin irritation. Then when placed in a cage with several mirrors, the birds were filmed scratching at their necks after looking at their reflections. With all other controls in place, this could only mean that magpies had recognized themselves in the mirrors. And not just that, the birds had differentiated between their normal physical state and their now-marked plumage.<\/p>\n
For a really nerdy aside: Scientists like Justina Kalaj<\/a> believe that self-awareness in birds and certain mammals may be an example of convergent evolution, in which unrelated species evolve particular characteristics through different means. Another example of convergent evolution, and perhaps one of the best, is our very own set of camera eyes.<\/p>\n5. What is a Group of Magpies Called?<\/h2>\nMagpies have an effect on superstitions regarding luck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere are several names given to a group of magpies, but perhaps the most descriptive is \u201ca parliament.\u201d The birds have earned this title from often appearing in large groups in the spring, looking stately and cawing at each other.<\/p>\n
6. To the End of the Tail<\/h2>\nMagpies have such long tails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA final fascinating fact relates to one of the defining features of a magpie. While they share some similarities with their corvid family, the magpies possess an extremely long tail. In fact, a magpie\u2019s tail is often roughly the same length as its entire body.<\/p>\n
Why magpies have such long tails remains up for debate, but it may provide magpies with the ability to make swift turns while in the air. This would allow the birds to evade larger predators and make up for rather average flying abilities.<\/p>\n
Magpie-related merchandise:<\/h2>\n
If you are a magpie lover, why not choose custom magpie pins and patches to decorate your clothes, and bags and show your hobby. At UltraPatches and GSJJ, you can find not only custom pins<\/a> but also many other custom products, such as custom patches<\/a>, challenge coins, etc. No matter what animal you like, they can be crafted into corresponding merchandise. Take the animal patches and pins home with you!<\/p>\nThis\u00a0article\u00a0was first published by Care2.com on 09 Sep 2017. Lead Image: These beautiful birds have a long-standing reputation of being thieves and tricksters. Have you ever experienced a thieving Black-billed Magpie? kojihirano \/ iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/em><\/p>\nWhat you can do<\/h2>\n
Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 \u2013 It only takes a minute.<\/p>\n
\n
While their natural diet is quite broad \u2014 including insects, small rodents, grain and berries \u2013magpies have been known to steal other birds\u2019 eggs, and even young chicks.<\/p>\n
In addition, magpies have adapted rather well to suburban living, so they\u2019ll often eat leftover food scraps. But it\u2019s better to provide them with proper bird food to ensure they don\u2019t eat anything poisonous.<\/p>\n
3. Magpies Are Closely Related to Crows, Jays and Ravens<\/h2>\nMagpies fly the nest a little later than many birds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThough they may look quite a bit different at first glance, magpies belong to the bird family Corvidae, a group that includes crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws and jays, as well as lesser recognized members like treepies, choughs and nutcrackers.<\/p>\n
As such, magpies are among the most intelligent family of birds recognized by modern science. Which leads us to our next fact:<\/p>\n
4. Magpies Recognize Themselves in Mirrors<\/h2>\na magpie feather<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEuropean magpies have demonstrated the remarkable ability to recognize their own reflections in mirrors, something that was once thought to be a defining characteristic belonging only to humans. This might not sound that amazing, but out of countless species tested, only four ape species, bottlenose dolphins and Asian elephants have demonstrated this ability.<\/p>\n
Scientists tested the magpies by placing a colored mark on their necks \u2014 which did not hurt or cause skin irritation. Then when placed in a cage with several mirrors, the birds were filmed scratching at their necks after looking at their reflections. With all other controls in place, this could only mean that magpies had recognized themselves in the mirrors. And not just that, the birds had differentiated between their normal physical state and their now-marked plumage.<\/p>\n
For a really nerdy aside: Scientists like Justina Kalaj<\/a> believe that self-awareness in birds and certain mammals may be an example of convergent evolution, in which unrelated species evolve particular characteristics through different means. Another example of convergent evolution, and perhaps one of the best, is our very own set of camera eyes.<\/p>\n5. What is a Group of Magpies Called?<\/h2>\nMagpies have an effect on superstitions regarding luck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere are several names given to a group of magpies, but perhaps the most descriptive is \u201ca parliament.\u201d The birds have earned this title from often appearing in large groups in the spring, looking stately and cawing at each other.<\/p>\n
6. To the End of the Tail<\/h2>\nMagpies have such long tails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA final fascinating fact relates to one of the defining features of a magpie. While they share some similarities with their corvid family, the magpies possess an extremely long tail. In fact, a magpie\u2019s tail is often roughly the same length as its entire body.<\/p>\n
Why magpies have such long tails remains up for debate, but it may provide magpies with the ability to make swift turns while in the air. This would allow the birds to evade larger predators and make up for rather average flying abilities.<\/p>\n
Magpie-related merchandise:<\/h2>\n
If you are a magpie lover, why not choose custom magpie pins and patches to decorate your clothes, and bags and show your hobby. At UltraPatches and GSJJ, you can find not only custom pins<\/a> but also many other custom products, such as custom patches<\/a>, challenge coins, etc. No matter what animal you like, they can be crafted into corresponding merchandise. Take the animal patches and pins home with you!<\/p>\nThis\u00a0article\u00a0was first published by Care2.com on 09 Sep 2017. Lead Image: These beautiful birds have a long-standing reputation of being thieves and tricksters. Have you ever experienced a thieving Black-billed Magpie? kojihirano \/ iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/em><\/p>\nWhat you can do<\/h2>\n
Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 \u2013 It only takes a minute.<\/p>\n
\n
Though they may look quite a bit different at first glance, magpies belong to the bird family Corvidae, a group that includes crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws and jays, as well as lesser recognized members like treepies, choughs and nutcrackers.<\/p>\n
As such, magpies are among the most intelligent family of birds recognized by modern science. Which leads us to our next fact:<\/p>\n
4. Magpies Recognize Themselves in Mirrors<\/h2>\na magpie feather<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEuropean magpies have demonstrated the remarkable ability to recognize their own reflections in mirrors, something that was once thought to be a defining characteristic belonging only to humans. This might not sound that amazing, but out of countless species tested, only four ape species, bottlenose dolphins and Asian elephants have demonstrated this ability.<\/p>\n
Scientists tested the magpies by placing a colored mark on their necks \u2014 which did not hurt or cause skin irritation. Then when placed in a cage with several mirrors, the birds were filmed scratching at their necks after looking at their reflections. With all other controls in place, this could only mean that magpies had recognized themselves in the mirrors. And not just that, the birds had differentiated between their normal physical state and their now-marked plumage.<\/p>\n
For a really nerdy aside: Scientists like Justina Kalaj<\/a> believe that self-awareness in birds and certain mammals may be an example of convergent evolution, in which unrelated species evolve particular characteristics through different means. Another example of convergent evolution, and perhaps one of the best, is our very own set of camera eyes.<\/p>\n5. What is a Group of Magpies Called?<\/h2>\nMagpies have an effect on superstitions regarding luck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere are several names given to a group of magpies, but perhaps the most descriptive is \u201ca parliament.\u201d The birds have earned this title from often appearing in large groups in the spring, looking stately and cawing at each other.<\/p>\n
6. To the End of the Tail<\/h2>\nMagpies have such long tails<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA final fascinating fact relates to one of the defining features of a magpie. While they share some similarities with their corvid family, the magpies possess an extremely long tail. In fact, a magpie\u2019s tail is often roughly the same length as its entire body.<\/p>\n
Why magpies have such long tails remains up for debate, but it may provide magpies with the ability to make swift turns while in the air. This would allow the birds to evade larger predators and make up for rather average flying abilities.<\/p>\n
Magpie-related merchandise:<\/h2>\n
If you are a magpie lover, why not choose custom magpie pins and patches to decorate your clothes, and bags and show your hobby. At UltraPatches and GSJJ, you can find not only custom pins<\/a> but also many other custom products, such as custom patches<\/a>, challenge coins, etc. No matter what animal you like, they can be crafted into corresponding merchandise. Take the animal patches and pins home with you!<\/p>\nThis\u00a0article\u00a0was first published by Care2.com on 09 Sep 2017. Lead Image: These beautiful birds have a long-standing reputation of being thieves and tricksters. Have you ever experienced a thieving Black-billed Magpie? kojihirano \/ iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/em><\/p>\nWhat you can do<\/h2>\n
Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 \u2013 It only takes a minute.<\/p>\n
\n
European magpies have demonstrated the remarkable ability to recognize their own reflections in mirrors, something that was once thought to be a defining characteristic belonging only to humans. This might not sound that amazing, but out of countless species tested, only four ape species, bottlenose dolphins and Asian elephants have demonstrated this ability.<\/p>\n
Scientists tested the magpies by placing a colored mark on their necks \u2014 which did not hurt or cause skin irritation. Then when placed in a cage with several mirrors, the birds were filmed scratching at their necks after looking at their reflections. With all other controls in place, this could only mean that magpies had recognized themselves in the mirrors. And not just that, the birds had differentiated between their normal physical state and their now-marked plumage.<\/p>\n
For a really nerdy aside: Scientists like Justina Kalaj<\/a> believe that self-awareness in birds and certain mammals may be an example of convergent evolution, in which unrelated species evolve particular characteristics through different means. Another example of convergent evolution, and perhaps one of the best, is our very own set of camera eyes.<\/p>\n There are several names given to a group of magpies, but perhaps the most descriptive is \u201ca parliament.\u201d The birds have earned this title from often appearing in large groups in the spring, looking stately and cawing at each other.<\/p>\n A final fascinating fact relates to one of the defining features of a magpie. While they share some similarities with their corvid family, the magpies possess an extremely long tail. In fact, a magpie\u2019s tail is often roughly the same length as its entire body.<\/p>\n Why magpies have such long tails remains up for debate, but it may provide magpies with the ability to make swift turns while in the air. This would allow the birds to evade larger predators and make up for rather average flying abilities.<\/p>\n If you are a magpie lover, why not choose custom magpie pins and patches to decorate your clothes, and bags and show your hobby. At UltraPatches and GSJJ, you can find not only custom pins<\/a> but also many other custom products, such as custom patches<\/a>, challenge coins, etc. No matter what animal you like, they can be crafted into corresponding merchandise. Take the animal patches and pins home with you!<\/p>\n This\u00a0article\u00a0was first published by Care2.com on 09 Sep 2017. Lead Image: These beautiful birds have a long-standing reputation of being thieves and tricksters. Have you ever experienced a thieving Black-billed Magpie? kojihirano \/ iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.<\/em><\/p>\n Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 \u2013 It only takes a minute.<\/p>\n5. What is a Group of Magpies Called?<\/h2>\n
6. To the End of the Tail<\/h2>\n
Magpie-related merchandise:<\/h2>\n
What you can do<\/h2>\n
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