Magpies are widely distributed in China, from east to west and from south to north, almost all over the country. It mainly inhabits plains, hills and low mountains, especially near human settlements such as hills, forest edges, farmland, villages and urban parks. It is a bird that likes to live next to humans.
In summer, they mainly feed on animal foods such as insects, and in other seasons, they mainly feed on plant fruits and seeds. Common food types include locusts, grasshoppers, scarabs, weevils, beetles, ants, flies and larvae. Plant foods are mainly fruits and seeds of trees and shrubs, including corn, sorghum, soybeans, peas and wheat. ?
When breeding, in addition to the activities in pairs, they often move in small groups of 3-5, and dozens of large groups are often integrated in autumn and winter. Be alert, there is always a bird to guard when foraging. Even if they feed in pairs, they usually take turns waiting for food.
Strong and lasting flight ability. When flying, the whole body and tail are in a straight line, the tail is slightly opened and the wings are slowly stirred. Male and female birds often keep a certain distance and move forward by leaps and bounds when they move on the ground. The song is monotonous and loud, like the sound of "Zha-Zha-Zha", and it is often sung while flying. When in a group, the calls are very noisy.
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Magpie is called "goddess" in ancient times, and it is commonly known as "bird-loving" among the people. Because of its light posture and loud singing, and because of its tireless efforts to help the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl finish the annual meeting, people regard magpies as auspicious birds.
Whenever I see a magpie perching on a perch or hear it chirping, people think it is a sign that a happy event is coming. Therefore, there is such a sentence: "Magpies sing to announce good news, not to make money, or to visit relatives." So magpies are also "good news" birds, commonly known as "magpies bring good news". It is also considered as a symbol of happiness and auspicious life.
Magpies can be found everywhere in China culture. As a symbol of auspiciousness and happiness, magpies have always been recited by literati, and as an auspicious pattern, magpies are widely used in paintings, furniture and utensils to express festive meaning.
Baidu Encyclopedia-Magpie
China Net-Auspicious Folk Custom in China