Hi, I’m new here so hope this makes sense. Last year & this year I’ve been watching a magpie tormenting (or playing with) a young cat for sometimes up,to 40 mins at a time. The magpie just squawks constantly & jumps back & forth over the cat. It’s always at the rear of the cats house. Whether on the wall or the lean-to roof. Ive got video from earlier but am unable to upload them. My question is, is this likely to be the same magpie & is it normal to play with cats.
My guess is the magpie probably has a nest nearby, and protecting the young by having a go at the cat. Behaviour I have seen my self, and did comment on in my post Menacing Magpie for hire!
I no longer use YouTube, so the YouTube links will not work, but the comments are worth a read.
Yes its normal, but not in a playful way, a cat will be seen as a threat by the magpie, though the cat is unlikely to attack a magpie, but never say never.........
Though it does look humorous and playful, and magpies can be very cheeky, particularly through adolescence.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler