There is more to the magpie than meets the eye. These quirky birds with their iridescent black and white plumage, long tail and raucous chattering call, are highly intelligent. Magpies are opportunists and readily adapt to their habitat, be it farmland, upland moors or parks and gardens.

The diet of magpies varies with the seasons, and often from location to location. Despite eating carrion, and on occasion small mammals and young birds, they also eat fruit, vegetation, house-hold scraps and insects. If insects are available all year round, they can make up the bulk of magpies' diets.

In a farmland setting where cattle are grazing, magpies can, on occasion, be seen quite happily perched on top of the cattle's head or back. Whilst magpies are omnivores, the cattle have nothing to fear from the magpies' presence. Most appear oblivious to their cheeky guests.

Despite their strong bill with its sharp edge, ideal for digging up invertebrates and picking fruit, the magpie is in fact picking ticks and other insects off the cattle. In this rather odd relationship, the cattle benefit from the removal of potentially harmful insects and the magpie gets a tasty snack. ~ Claire Thomas, Wildlife Adviser RSPP

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