Magpie

Hand made and hand painted.

Materials: high quality native hardwood (maple and elm), finished with environmentally sound oils and lacquers

Size: 35 mm H (1.4 inches)

Made in Germany

Facts:
Magpies are passerine birds of the crow family.

They are opportunistic scavengers and will eat anything once they have discovered it is edible. They are known to attack the nests of other birds.

The European Magpie is 40-51 centimetres (16-20 in) in length. Its head, neck and breast are glossy black with a metallic green and violet sheen; the belly and shoulder feathers are pure white; the wings are black glossed with green or purple. The tail is black, shot with bronze-green and other iridescent colours. The legs and bill are black.

The European Magpie is unique from other species due to its pied plumage and long 20-30 centimetres (8-12 in) tail, as well as its loud chatter. When Magpies pass each other in open country, they command attention by rapidly moving their wings and chattering. When the bird lands, the long tail is elevated and is carefully carried clear of the ground.

Like other corvids, such as crows, the Magpie usually walks, but it can also hop quickly sideways with wings slightly opened.

The magpie has been observed taking small songbirds down in flight. This behaviour was once thought to occur only in birds of prey.

The magpie is one of a small number of species, and the only non-mammal, capable of recognizing itself in a mirror.

Magpies are territorial and stay in their territory all year, even in north of the species range. The pairs are monogamous, and remain together for the duration of their lives.

Tall trees are selected by the Magpie for its bulky nest; it is firmly attached to a central fork in the upper branches. The framework of the sticks is cemented with earth and clay, and a lining of the same material is covered with fine roots; above is a stout though loosely built dome of prickly branches with one well-concealed entrance. When the leaves fall these huge nests are plainly visible. Where trees are scarce, and even in well-wooded country, nests are at times built in bushes and hedgerows.