Which bird steals shiny objects

It may prompt calls for a belated revision of the libretto of Rossini's opera La Gazza Ladra The thieving magpie , which features a servant girl sentenced to death for a series of silver thefts actually committed by a magpie.

It may upset, too, the publishers of The Tintin comic The Castafiore Emerald, in which a prized gem is stolen by a magpie. But the research is not conclusive — yet. Due to the nature of the test with fixed feeding stations, the scientists could only assess "married" magpies that inhabit a set territory. Single magpies without a steady partner are less predictable in their feeding habits. Follow Roger on Twitter: rharrabin.

Public asked to spot clever birds. Octopus snatches coconut and runs. Why are magpies so often hated? Image source, Thinkstock. We have four garden lights with flat aluminium caps about 5 cm diameter. For two weeks a group of crows has removed the caps and tried to fly off with them. One has gone but they are quite heavy. They come back to try to take the caps off the ground.

They remove the caps if replaced on the lights. Even on first reading, there would seem to be a glaring hole in the manner in which the study was conducted, that would compromise the results negatively, as it appears to have done. He likes to steal jewelry- particularly earrings- off people who come into my house and does so with great success.

He also likes things like shiny key chains and glasses. However, if the object is just laying there unguarded, he is much less likely to take an interest in it. I notice the birds seem to act in pairs and prefer the more brightly coloured balls over the standard white ball. Can I coat my coloured balls with something to deter the crows or do I have to resort to white balls, which I find difficult to see on the course?

There are non-toxic taste repellent sprays you can buy that might be your best shot. Think Bitter Apple, but made specifically for birds.

Let me know if you end up trying this! I keep shiny blue and clear glass stones and marbles in my outdoor potted plants and today I watched a crow pick through them, tossing some aside until it found two shiny blue ones it wanted and flew off with them in its beak!

Let me know if you would like them. Hi Carolynn feel free to email them to kaelis uw. Corvid Steals Shiny Thing. Perhaps the sharp eyes?

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Like this: Like Loading December 6, at am. Christy Malekani. January 3, at pm. Nan P. August 9, at pm. Leone Brennan. June 18, at pm. Yes the crows steal my large shiny stones. Caught in the act several times. July 10, at pm. September 26, at pm. October 2, at pm. October 1, at am. More anecdote … I used to keep my bike — with a beautiful iridescent-blue bell — in my backyard, I was the only person who had access to that place.

October 26, at pm. February 23, at am. June 5, at am. Part of the Corvid family, the small blue jay shares the affinity of other birds in its family, such as magpies, for shiny objects. Since human activity has reduced the amount of forest available for the blue jay to nest in, this creature has become increasingly widespread in urban areas.

The public may spot these birds searching the garbage on the lookout for shiny treasures. The mynah bird is a part of the starling family, which includes such species as the Hill mynah and the Bali mynah. Strong-legged birds, all starlings are noted for their waddle when walking and their speedy method of flying.

Some people keep mynahs as a pet, and when in captivity, these birds are entertained by toys such as bells and mirrors. Despite originating in Asia, mynah birds are now seen in the U.

Perhaps one of the best-known examples of a bird that likes shiny things, the magpie has entered into popular folklore as an animal that, given a chance, will attempt to steal a trinket or similar object.