Are magpies becoming more aggressive to other birds this year? I've already heard two stories of them killing adult warblers in the last couple of months and yesterday had one fly at high speed infront of my car in pursuit of a starling, which it very nearly caught. obviously they're well known for raiding nests but taking adult birds in flight? Too much effort surely.
Hi johno
I have a magpie that regularly chases the starlings in my garden. As far as I have seen, it has never caught one yet, but with all of the fledglings around making lot's of racket to attract it's attention, I should imagine that it will only be a matter of time.
I think it might be just looking for any weakness, possibly a bird that can't fly very well or one that doesn't take off quickly enough.
In my case some respite from the noisy starlings while the magpie is around isn't particularly unwelcome. Even if they didn't attract the magpie, they make enough racket to attract a sparrowhawk or a peregrine or similar.
Best wishes Chris
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