The black birds most well known for stealing shiny objects are magpies. Magpies are medium-sized birds in the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, ravens, and jays. They are found in Europe, Asia and North America.
Magpies are opportunistic and will steal and cache shiny objects such as jewelry, keys, tin foil, or anything else that catches their eye. They use shinier objects to line their nests and attract mates. This thieving behavior has led to many cultural stories and superstitions around magpies.
Magpie Characteristics
Magpies are black and white birds with long tails. They have black feathers on their wings and back, with white bellies. Their wings flash white in flight. They have sharp, pointed beaks.
Magpies have loud, complex vocalizations and calls. They are highly intelligent birds known for their problem-solving skills.
Magpies build large nests high up in trees using sticks, mud and other materials. Their nests are lined with soft materials like grass and feathers. The male and female cooperate in nest building.
Magpies are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods including insects, seeds, berries, small mammals, eggs and carrion. They often scavenge on carcasses and human garbage. Magpies are bold around people and will eat pet food left outside.
Magpie Thieving Behavior
Magpies are drawn to all things shiny and sparkly. Their Latin name “Pica pica” means magpie-magpie, believed to be because of their thieving ways.
Magpies steal small shiny objects such as jewelry, keys, tin foil, glittering gum wrappers, pieces of mirror or anything else that catches their eye. They are especially attracted to brightly colored objects like red, blue or green.
It’s thought that magpies steal shiny objects to incorporate into their nests during breeding season. Shinier objects help attract mates to their nests. The flashy objects may signal the intelligence and resourcefulness of the magpie when constructing its nest.
Magpies also have a habit of collecting and caching shiny items. They’ll gather objects and stash them away for later use, similar to how squirrels cache nuts. Their nests are frequently lined with bottle caps, pieces of aluminum foil, rings and other treasures.
Cultural References and Folklore
Magpies have developed many cultural associations because of their stealing habits.
In European folklore, magpies are portrayed as thieves and connivers. In some tales they are even blamed for the crucifixion of Jesus because of their thieving ways.
An old English folk rhyme states:
“One for sorrow, Two for joy,
Three for a girl, Four for a boy,
Five for silver, Six for gold,
Seven for a secret, Never to be told.”
Seeing a single magpie is considered bad luck. But seeing two is good luck, hence “two for joy.”
Magpies feature in many Native American legends as well. They are portrayed as mischievous birds that steal shiny objects.
In some Asian cultures, magpies are seen as good luck symbols, clever birds, and messengers. Chinese tradition held that magpies formed a bridge for Zhi Nu the weaver maid to meet her lover Niu Lang the cowherd once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month.
Deterring Magpie Thefts
If magpies are stealing shiny objects in your yard, there are a few options to deter them:
– Pick up any loose shiny objects like bottle caps, aluminum foil, mirrors, jewelry, keys etc. Don’t leave tempting items lying around.
– Scare magpies away with loud noises like clapping. They may drop stolen objects.
– Install magpie-proof garbage cans with locks so they can’t scavenge in the trash.
– Use decoys like fake magpies or plastic owls with shiny coatings to scare real magpies away.
– Block access to vehicles where they may be pecking at chrome details or mirrors. Park vehicles in garages if possible.
– Use reflective tape on windows or flashes of light to startle magpies. Mylar tape or aluminum pie pans that spin in breeze may deter them.
– Keep pet food indoors so it doesn’t attract magpies.
– Use secure chicken wire over aviaries and enclosures to prevent magpie thefts.
– Attach shiny objects more securely. Use closed screw eyes to hang wind chimes and feeders so items can’t be snatched.
– Plant thick, tall trees and hedges to obstruct their aerial view and nesting spots.
Legal Status
In some areas, magpies are considered pest species not protected by law because of their daring stealing habits. In Australia, magpie attacks are fairly common during breeding season as they become territorial.
However, in most parts of Europe, Asia and North America, magpies are protected species and it is illegal to trap or kill them without permits. It’s best to use harmless deterrents to prevent magpie thefts.
Conclusion
Magpies are clever, opportunistic birds that have become culturally symbolic for their habit of stealing shiny objects. They use treasures like bottle caps and tin foil to line their nests, possibly to attract mates. Magpies have inspired folklore and superstitions across many cultures because of their thieving antics. While deterrents can be used, in most places it is illegal to harm magpies, so peaceful solutions for preventing thefts are recommended. Ultimately, the magpie’s antics can be seen as resourceful behavior just to attract the best mate and build the most impressive nest.
Bird Name | Description |
---|---|
Magpie | Black and white corvid with long tail. Known for stealing shiny objects. |
Crow | All black corvid, highly intelligent. |
Raven | Large black corvid, often associated with death omens. |
Jay | Colorful, crested corvids that are noisy and aggressive. |