Is the Magpie Misunderstood?

• Misleading Folklore: Many cultures have folklore and superstitions associated with magpies, often portraying them as symbols of bad luck or thievery. These tales, while entertaining, can create negative perceptions.
• Shiny Object Attraction: Magpies are naturally curious and attracted to shiny objects. This behaviour can be misinterpreted as stealing, leading to the "magpie thief" stereotype. However, they're not intentionally taking items; they're simply exploring their environment.
• Protective Behaviour: During nesting season, magpies can become territorial and protective of their young. This can lead to swooping behaviour, which can be alarming but is a natural defense mechanism.

Updates as of 2014

Lead author Dr Toni Shephard of a study said:

“We did not find evidence of an unconditional attraction to shiny objects in magpies. Instead, all objects prompted responses indicating neophobia – fear of new things.

“We suggest that humans notice when magpies occasionally pick up shiny objects because they believe the birds find them attractive, while it goes unnoticed when magpies interact with less eye-catching items. It seems likely that the folklore surrounding them is a result of cultural generalisation and anecdotes rather than evidence.”

Roger Harrabin (2014), “Magpies ‘don’t steal shiny objects’“, BBC News.

Magpies stand accused of many crimes including thievery and murder. Yes, they do carry out acts that may be considered as nasty one of which is the killer of baby birds. However, this, it turns out, usually takes place when they are in breeding season and have babies of their own to feed.

Most of the year they are vegetarians so, in fact, it's not out of choice that the crime of murder is carried out. They do so to make sure that their own brood survives. Okay, it could be argued that there is an alternative to killing baby birds but Magpies are not stealth hunters and they do not even possess great speed. They, therefore, have to find easier ways to feed their own babies. Also, they will scavenge.

It turns out that the decline of Britain's songbirds are not connected to Magpies whatsoever. So, they are innocent of this crime. 

Introduction Image thanks to Pixabay

What about the mobbing of weaker animals?

Gatherings of 20+ Magpies are not uncommon. But, like many other birds, they roost at night. Any mobbing that is seen are those of other predators; the Magpies are just protecting their own young and territory.

As mentioned above they will kill baby birds which entails robbing the nest of smaller species whilst the parents are close by protesting loudly. But, they do not do this throughout the year. We humans are another source of food providing countless mounds of litter.

In summer, they do eat meat which usually consists of earthworms, insects and frogs. Autumn is spent consuming vast quantities of berries and fruit.

The Magpie itself is at risk from other birds namely the Crow.

The Crow is the biggest killer of Magpies and will also take young from their nests and kill adult birds.

The crow is a heavier bird so the Magpie has every reason to be nervous when one is near-by.