In the mountains, foothills and suburbs, Colorado's magpies are a majestic sight: with striking white and black plumage that in certain light also shines with a cosmic, blue-green iridescence, and elegant long tails extending well past what other birds think a suitable length.
A reputation for thievery follows the magpie, but when it comes to stealing eggs, they do much less damage than house cats.To protect their own eggs, a breeding pair will engineer an elaborate domed nest, with the female taking care of interior finish.
Like their crow and raven cousins, magpies are among the smartest animals in the world, solving puzzles, mimicking human speech and recognizing themselves in mirrors. Chattering at the edge of open space or mall parking lots, those magpies may simply be seeking solutions to territorial disputes. And thus, do not call them "a flock"; as a collective, they are a "parliament" of magpies.
About Colorado Postcards
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado.
