Sometimes they appear as a sinister omen, but equally often as a friend. In the UK, a lone magpie is considered especially ominous and it is commonplace to voice a respectful enquiry as to the health of its wife and children. Conversely in China and Korea magpies are seen as bringing good luck.
They are considered a messenger of good luck and are known as “birds of joy." For instance, if you see a magpie or if a magpie builds a nest near your home, that may be an indication and positive omen of incoming success and good news.
The most common Magpie superstition is the bad luck of seeing a Magpie alone. Magpie rhyme: 'One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for secrets to never be told. '
Every West Aussie is familiar with the melodious chortling of the magpies' "dawn chorus", but few know that in Aboriginal stories these birds are credited with creating the very first sunrise.
Even in urban environments, seeing a Magpie is an omen of good fortune. If you have had plans on hold, sighting a Magpie means you've got the Universe's approval; now's the time to move ahead.
In ancient Rome, the magpie was associated with magic and fortune-telling, while in Scandinavia some witches rode magpies or turned into them. In Germany, the bird was considered a bird of the underworld and in Scotland, it was said that magpies had a drop of the devil's blood on their tongues.
1. In order to ward off bad luck, greet the sight of a lone Pica pica with the words: 'Good morning, Mr Magpie, how are Mrs Magpie and all the other little magpies? '
It was told that when Jesus was crucified, two birds came to perch on his cross. One was a dove, the other a magpie. The dove grieved for Jesus, but the magpie did not; from that point onward, magpies were eternally damned in the eyes of Christianity, and thus, the rest of European civilization.
Interesting fact: It's true, magpies remember your face. They have excellent recall for faces and very long memories. So, if you've been swooped before, or even if you just look like someone they swooped last year, you're likely to get the same treatment again.
When magpies have formed an attachment they will often show their trust, for example, by formally introducing their offspring. They may allow their chicks to play near people, not fly away when a resident human is approaching, and actually approach or roost near a human.
Since time immemorial, it is believed that a single magpie always brings bad luck and magpies in a pair (two Magpies) bring joy or are positive.
Although magpies will peck around in the soil looking for insects, the main garden damage is done to the lawn where they create holes while looking for grubs, such as leatherjackets and chafer grubs. That being said, magpies are a useful control for these two root-eating plant pests.
“When the chicks have hatched, up to when they leave the nest, is when you see the bulk of the swooping behaviour,” Castley says. “It's the birds responding to things they perceive as threats. That includes humans, dogs, cats, snakes and anything else the magpie decides is a threat to its chicks.”
In Greece, the Magpie is sacred and linked to the god Bacchus. In ancient Greece, the Magpie was associated with Dionysos and intoxication. Also in Greece, the 9 daughters of Peirus were turned into Magpie's for boasting that they were better singers than the muses.
In Greek mythology the magpie is attributed to Dionysus, God of wine and losing your inhibitions. Does it then refer to the men losing theirs? Magpies stand too for defamation, the poisoned tongue. So the bird could also represent the defamation of Susanna by the two men.
Magpies feel grief and even hold funeral-type gatherings for their fallen friends and lay grass “wreaths” beside their bodies, an animal behaviour expert has claimed. Dr Bekoff, of the University of Colorado, said these rituals prove that magpies, usually seen as an aggressive predator, also have a compassionate side.
The well-known magpie rhyme goes: 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 Eight for a wish Nine for a kiss Ten for a bird you must not miss .
A magpie can be happy or sad: sometimes so happy that he sits on a high, high gum tree and rolls the sunrise around in his throat like beads of pink sunlight; and sometimes so sad that you would expect the tears to drip off his beak.
For most of the year, Magpies are friendly and sociable, and may even venture into your house to beg for food. But for four to six weeks a year during August to September, the male Magpie will defend his home vigorously. For the rest of the year, people are completely safe from swooping Magpies!
When magpies swoop, they beat their wings, clack their beaks and occasionally peck or scratch. Accidents can occur because people, particularly children, panic. Remember, magpies are simply trying to protect their territory. Stay calm, protect your face and walk away quickly.
Magpies are 'like dogs'
"Even during the breeding season you can come close to them because they know you'll do no harm." On the other hand, if you are mean to a magpie it will bear a grudge for a long time.
Magpies are very attracted to water, just like any other bird, so getting rid of your bird baths – at least while trying to fight magpies – is an essential step. You should also look for and eliminate any standing pools of water in your garden and avoid overwatering your plants.
The presence of a bird can be seen as a sign of good luck, blessings, or warnings. One interpretation of bird visitations is that they bring messages from the spirit or the universe. Some people believe that birds are messengers from the divine realm, such as angels, spirit guides, or ancestors.
Use Decoys And Reflective Objects
There's one thing magpies are really scared of – flashing lights. You can keep magpies at bay by placing any reflective object in your yard.
Magpies can be beneficial to agriculture and gardens because they feed on pest insects. Long-term conservation of this species is necessary for maintaining biodiversity, which is the variety of all plants and animals that inhabit our world.