Nature Fact

Like others of the Crow family, Magpies will often plunder eggs and nestlings of less aggressive neighbours.  Searching methodically for a suitable nest-worthy habitat, a single Magpie may find several nests in quick succession.  When a small bird sitting on a nest sees a Magpie, it may ‘freeze’ until the last possible moment, hoping to be missed.  Once the Magpie discovers it, however, the other bird must retreat hastily.  Magpies have even been seen catching small birds and fledglings in flight.