We have two 'regular' magpies in our garden. On several occasions these last few days, we have seen them chasing a rat, they sit on a low wall and when they see it they jump down and run-not fly-after it. I have even seen them peering under flower pots looking for it. Does anyone know why they do this, or has anyone else seen this behaviour?
isn't wild wonderful
They could be doing that for several reasons - they could be actively trying to hunt the rat as they will take live prey, though I think they are taking a chance if they are considering taking on a rat as there are serious risks when it comes to taking on a rat. They could be mobbing the rat, rats are also predators and will take birds eggs or it could be viewed as competition and they are chasing it off. Or, and what is possibly more likely, it is simply a game. Covids are known to engage in play and chasing the rat may simply be a bit of entertainment for them, especially if food is plentiful leaving them with lots of spare time that needs filling up with doing other things.
Or they could be very confused and think they are jack russel terriers!
Those are my suggestions, maybe someone else will have some other ideas lol
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
If they are doing this on a regular basis I think it may be a play thing as KatTai suggests.All corvids seem to engage in play activities more than any other birds I have noticed.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
When I read the title I was expecting a pub recommendation.......
Every day a little more irate about bird of prey persecution, and I have a cat - Got a problem with that?
Unknown said: When I read the title I was expecting a pub recommendation.......
They'd have to stock ale from the Magpie Brewery! lol (it IS a real brewery btw!)
Thanks to everyone who showed an interest- the pub theme made me 'laugh out loud'