Eurasian Magpie: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Crows and Clever Birds · day 2 of 7

Five facts

1. The magpie can recognise itself in a mirror. Very few birds have ever passed this famous test.
2. In Antwerp, Belgium, a magpie nest was found built with 1500 metal anti-bird spikes. The magpies used them to keep other birds away.
3. Thoughtful parents: magpies cut food into pieces of the right size for their young.
4. Adults chatter "chac-chac". Young magpies also give a sharp "uik uik" call that sounds like a small dog barking.
5. Folk tales say magpies steal shiny things like jewels. A recent study has cast doubt on that old belief.

The quiz

1. Which famous test can the magpie pass?

• The mirror test (correct)
• A hearing test for bats
• A diving test
• A night vision test

It is one of the few birds known to recognise itself in a mirror.

2. What unusual material did magpies use for a nest found in Antwerp?

• Plastic straws
• Metal anti-bird spikes (correct)
• Glass marbles
• Paper money

The nest held 1500 spikes, used to keep other birds away.

3. How do magpie parents prepare food for their young?

• They freeze it
• They dip it in water
• They cut it to the right size (correct)
• They bury it for a week

They cut food into portions that suit the size of their young.

4. What does the young magpie's "uik uik" call sound like?

• A cat purring
• A cow mooing
• A frog croaking
• A small dog barking (correct)

The young's sharp call resembles a small dog's bark.

5. What has a recent study said about magpies stealing shiny things?

• It proved they steal only gold
• It cast doubt on the belief (correct)
• It showed they steal only at night
• It found they steal only coins

The old folk belief has been questioned by recent research.

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