How to Attract Magpies

The magpie is a common wild bird conspicuous by its black and white plumage that is offset by a greenish-blue tinge. This social and intelligent bird can be fascinating to watch as it inhabits trees, woodlands, parks and hedgerows in human and natural environments. However, magpies are much maligned because they prey on the eggs and chicks of other birds: A lack of viable food sources can cause predatory behavior in magpies. Use food along with other tactics to attract magpies alongside other birds to your garden and prevent their predatory tendencies.

Things You'll Need

  • Open-fronted wooden nesting boxes
  • Suet fat blocks
  • Bird cakes
  • Birdbaths
  • Dried mealworms
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place open-fronted wooden nesting boxes on trees in your garden to encourage magpies to breed and rest. Magpies are medium-size birds that construct open nests. Purchase commercially available nesting boxes or build one yourself.

    • 2

      Offer magpies commercial or homemade suet fat blocks or bird cakes. Smear suet onto tree trunks and place bird cakes in bird feeders. Prepare bird cakes at home by combining suet or lard with seeds, nuts, breadcrumbs, oatmeal, crushed maize or meat and other food scraps. Suet and bird cakes form a great source of sustenance and energy for magpies.

    • 3

      Provide birdbaths in your garden. Strategically place birdbaths for magpies to drink water as well as to bathe in.

    • 4

      Offer commercially available dried mealworms occasionally. Mealworms are a rich source of vitamins and proteins for magpies.