Magpies

Once upon a time a magician was crossing a pond when he dropped his book of magic into the water. The ink was washed off the pages and floated on the surface of the pond. A gleaming white bird dived into the pond after the small, tasty fish that swam there. But, when he emerged, he was coated in streaks of black and of magic.

And that is how magpies became magical.


Magpies can recognise themselves in mirrors.

Magpies cannot cross running water.

No magpie has ever been seen on a Shrove Tuesday.

(Source: The Observer's Book of Birds, 3rd Ed, 1956)