Magpie

Belonging to the crow family of birds they have a bold intelligent character.

Its 'song' includes a noisy chattering that almost sounds like an old-fashioned football rattle.

You cannot mistake the Magpie with its distinctive black-and-white plumage and long tail.

When seen close-up its black plumage takes on an altogether more colourful hue with a purplish-blue iridescent sheen to the wing feathers, and a green gloss to the tail.

Non-breeding birds will gather together in flocks giving rise to the Magpie rhyme:

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.