Challenging Misconceptions: The Fascinating World of Magpies

Magpies have long fascinated and troubled people alike. Often viewed as the villains of the bird world, they are blamed for everything from stealing other birds eggs and chicks to causing disruptions. Often I see comments in local groups calling them anything from pests to pure evil and whilst I'm desperate to respond, I felt writing this blog would be more useful. Beneath this infamous reputation lies an intelligent bird capable of intricate problem-solving and even self-recognition. As a magpie Guardian and wildlife rehabilitator, I find the public perception of these birds deeply personal, revealing a complex and misunderstood world that deserves our attention.

I hope this blog helps change some of these misconceptions and open up a new world about these fascinating birds!

The Misunderstood Magpie

Despite their intelligence and sociable nature, magpies often face severe prejudice. Many people classify them simply as thieving pests, eager to snatch eggs or chicks from innocent nests. This view undermines the complexities of their behaviour and overlooks their vital roles in the ecosystem.

Whilst studies have shown magpies do predate on the young and members of the public witnessed them doing so, this is far fewer than the number of birds killed by domesticated cats or habitat destruction. Reports of this behaviour are often heightened in breeding season where food sources are often more sparce. It seems like many wild animals, they are just trying to survive, however cruel it may seem.

I really feel many people often judge these birds too quickly, as someone who interacts with magpies regularly, I have seen behaviors that suggest a deeper awareness. While magpies might engage in what we label naughty actions in captivity, such as tugging hair or harassing other birds, these behaviors stem more from natural instincts than from malicious intent. Importantly, these birds are wild creatures and while they can bond with humans, they do not make great pets to be kept at home. Of course there are those like myself, who've invited these birds into our world for which they give us so much joy. And to those of you who have these amazing feathered family members, thank you for saving them and giving them a second chance. I'm now going to briefly discuss my unique perspective on bird companionship...

A Unique Perspective on Bird Companionship

When discussing magpies as a pet, we must rethink our perspective, seeing ourselves as caregivers or Guardians. This shift in language emphasises that magpies are part of a broader family connection and not possessions to own. Take for example the heartwarming story of Thatcher, a magpie I was fortunate to rehome. Thatcher’s journey underlines the remarkable intelligence and emotional depth these birds possess. She can do tricks, mimic noises and solve complex puzzles. She once even stole £100 from our wallet, ripping up a £20 note. Now that was a funny conversation at the bank.

The Story of Thatcher

Thatcher came into our lives by chance. Rescued after being seen crawling up a person’s leg in a shop, this young magpie had clearly grown accustomed to human interaction. With a background indicating she might have been raised by humans, Thatcher would face significant challenges when reintroduced to the wild.

Many rescued magpies, often hand-reared as a youngster, without their own kind, may struggle in the wild if released by a member of the public. Sometimes failing to adapt and often face danger from indifference or hostility from humans who do not understand their needs. Thatcher's original circumstances were kind-hearted but ultimately misguided. Despite being rescued, she experienced the harsh reality of a world that was not designed for her.

When a kind rescue reached out to us about Thatcher, before I was able to fully assess her, I was excited to welcome another magpie into our rescue. I was eager to help her form a bond with Pedro, another rehabilitated magpie, but as we already know things didn't go as planned...

Integrating Thatcher into the Aviary

From the moment Thatcher arrived, her behaviour sent up red flags. She was too tame and visibly anxious when separated from people. In the aviary, she struggled to interact with other birds, highlighting her loneliness. Witnessing her sadness was tough, emphasising that wildlife rehabilitation requires a deep understanding of each individual's needs.

Even after various integration efforts, it became clear Thatcher needed a more specialised approach. While other birds can impart important lessons in social interaction, Thatcher did not seem to learn. Ultimately, it was evident she needed a permanent home with humans who understood her unique background as a domestically-raised magpie.

Deeper Insights into Magpie Behavior

What can we learn from Thatcher's experience? It underscores the importance of understanding bird behaviour in a social context. Magpies thrive in familiar groups and exhibit complex social interactions. Unfortunately, these intricacies are often disregarded, leading to misunderstandings.

Studies demonstrate that magpies possess self-recognition abilities, sharing this trait with a select few species, including humans. They can recognise themselves in mirrors, allowing them to better navigate their surroundings and contributing to their reputation as clever problem solvers. Researchers estimated that about 75% of magpies can recognise themselves in reflective surfaces, highlighting their advanced cognitive skills (Helmut Prior et al).

Embracing Complexity in Bird Rehabilitation

As a bird rehabilitator and magpie Guardian, I appreciate the profound impact these birds have on our lives. While it can be tempting to label magpies as mischievous or annoying, the more we understand their behaviours, the more we uncover their intelligence, social dynamics, and emotional depth.

While they might exhibit behaviors that seem mean or manipulative, many actions are driven by instinct or a desire for social interaction. Recognising that magpies are wild birds helps temper negative judgements, creating space for admiration in place of condemnation. I do struggle when Thatcher tries to pull out my hair and whilst it is easy to get angry I think what is the function of this behaviour? Perhaps she's trying to get my attention, wants some nest building material or is simply bored. I found there was a pattern; often she was frustrated if the water was not freshened quickly in the mornings and other times she was simply just bored. I've increased enrichment in the room, sometimes wear a hat and reward her for alternative behaviours.

A Shift in Perspective

The narrative around magpies must shift from fear and disdain to understanding and appreciation. Through our collective efforts to empathise with these extraordinary birds, we can challenge preconceived notions. Thatcher's story serves as a reminder that these remarkable animals are more than the stereotypes we often ascribe to them.

By acknowledging the duality of their nature—both wild and relatable—we can appreciate the delightful complexity of magpies in our daily lives. So the next time you encounter a magpie, consider saying, "Good morning, Mr. Magpie," and reflect on the incredible journey they represent.

Thanks for reading,

Helen Motteram

References

Mirror-Induced Behavior in the Magpie (Pica pica): Evidence of Self-Recognition

Helmut Prior, Ariane Schwarz and Onur Güntürkün