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Bird-brained scheme: Scientist trains magpies to exchange bottle caps for food using high-tech bird feeder A computer scientist trained magpies to trade bottle caps for food Hans Forsberg built a birdbox that uses a Raspberry Pi system and sensors Birds drop a bottle cap through a hole and sensors activate the feeder The feeder releases … Read more
Bird expert says ‘highly intelligent’ magpies AREN’T aggressive, only swoop if you’ve ‘done something’ and live in a structured society with morals about what is ‘right or wrong’ Wildlife expert defended one of Australia’s most hated birds, calling them smart Urged people to try and make friends with the magpies who are swooping them The … Read more
City-dwellers are urged to switch off their garden lamps at night as light pollution interrupts the sleeping patterns of magpies and pigeons Lost sleep can impact a bird’s ability to forage, defend itself and find a mate Experts from Australia measured brain activity in sleeping magpies and pigeons They found light disrupted the animals’ sleep — with pigeons … Read more
Female magpies are louder and chattier than males, researchers have found New research has revealed female magpies are chattier and louder than males Magpies were found to be some of the world’s most vocally complex songbirds Their calls are similar to human communication and can last for 70 minutes Magpies can also communicate well enough … Read more