He quoted the following verse, relating to the number of magpies to be seen: 'One for sorrow, two for mirth, three for a funeral and four for birth.' It was first recorded in around 1777, in John Brand's book, Observations on Popular Antiquities in Lincolnshire. Also, by referring to his wife, you're implying there may be two magpies around, which is good luck, according to popular belief.Ī famous nursery rhyme, called One For Sorrow, relates to magpies. This means you're showing the magpie due respect, hoping that he won't pass bad luck on to you. A way of combating the bad tidings is to say, 'Good morning, Mr Magpie - how's your lady wife today?' The most well-known superstition in the UK is that seeing a single magpie is supposed to signal bad luck. Magpies are about all year round and don't migrate in winter. They inhabit a variety of environments, from upland moors to lowland farmland, and can be seen in both urban and suburban areas. In the UK, they are found in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, with populations in the lower regions of Scotland, but not usually in the Scottish Highlands. This occurs between one and two years old. Once they reach maturity, they will mate for life. Non-breeding magpies gather in flocks and exist in around 600,000 territories across the world. Around 46cm long, it has a wingspan of up to 60cm.ĭescribed as a 'jack of all trades', they are predators (having an omnivorous diet), scavengers and pest-destroyers. The magpie may appear to be a plain black and white colour, but closer examination, especially in bright sunlight, reveals its black feathers have a purple-blue, iridescent hue on the wings and a green sheen on the tail. In fact, it's one of the few non-mammal species which can recognise itself in a mirror.

Magpies are members of the Corvidae or crow family, with the black and white Eurasian magpie believed to be one of the most intelligent species in the world. Yet no-one knows why magpies are associated with bad tidings in some cultures, while in others they are deemed to be a sacred bird, which brings happiness. In fact, out of all the birds found in Britain, the magpie is the one that features in most superstitious tales.Įncountering one of the distinctive black and white birds can herald bad luck - and legend has it that various steps must be taken to fend off the evil spirits.

The magpie is a wild bird steeped in folklore and superstition.

The magpie lord series