A magpie is a bold, intelligent black-and-white bird known for two distinctive traits: its striking appearance and its fascination with shiny objects. Magpies belong to the crow family, which includes some of the smartest birds in the world. They can recognize themselves in mirrors (something most animals can't do) and may even gather around a dead magpie in ways that look a bit like a funeral.

The most famous thing about magpies is their reputation for collecting bright, glittery things. They'll sometimes swoop down and grab coins, jewelry, or bits of foil to add to their nests. This behavior has made “magpie” a word for a person who collects random objects, especially shiny or attractive ones. If your friend can't resist picking up interesting rocks, colorful buttons, or sparkly wrappers, you might call them a magpie.

Magpies are common in Europe, Asia, and western North America. They're chatty birds with harsh, rattling calls. Farmers have mixed feelings about them: magpies eat harmful insects but also sometimes steal eggs from other birds' nests. In some cultures, seeing a magpie is considered lucky, while in others, it's thought to bring bad fortune. But everyone agrees they're clever, curious creatures that notice everything happening around them.