Interlude - more about magpies

Magpies adapt quickly to our urban environment and the free rides that can be had. At the same time they have to overcome the obstacles created by uncaring attitudes, such as when waste and fishing wire is carelessly discarded into the environment.

As well as adapting to the urban environment, magpies must learn how to deal with intruders who may be stronger and larger than them, a daily reality in magpie life. In neighbourhoods with strong permanent magpie residents, status tends to be equal and fights are rare. While neighbours are still potential threats, in a stable neighbourhood many battles do not need to be fought, because the groups have worked out their needs and have become familiar with one another. 

Magpies are also very collaborative. When they have adequate resources they occasionally collaborate in locating food and raising young. When magpies spot a predator they issue alarm calls and often follow and harass a raptor to a distance well outside their own territory. Magpies warn others of cats, snakes and birds of prey. Countless species benefit from such cooperative, vigilant magpie behaviour. Most other birds will hide when they see danger, instead the magpie will go out and actively, even fearlessly, pursue it. It is their strong group cohesion and collaboration that helps magpies survive.