Heartwarming Encounter: Magpie’s Friends Rally To Revive Him

While strolling in his neighborhood, Clifford Zvengrowski of Alberta, Canada, witnessed a remarkable event that left him in awe.

Spotting a motionless magpie on the street, he initially believed it to be roadkill. 

“I was walking by and was sure it was roadkill,” Zvengrowski shared. “[It] wasn’t moving at all.”

However, the appearance of other magpies signaled something more profound was unfolding.

Magpies are known to hold funerals, a touching behavior where they gather around a deceased comrade. 

When a magpie discovers a dead member of its species, it may start calling loudly to attract other magpies to the location.

This gathering of magpies can consist of up to 40 birds and may last several minutes before they disperse and fly away silently. 

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While the term “funeral” is a human interpretation of this behavior, it highlights the unique social dynamics and possible mourning rituals observed among magpies.

These gatherings may serve purposes such as acknowledging the loss, sharing information about potential dangers, or simply displaying social cohesion within the magpie community.

As the minutes passed, more magpies joined the scene, creating a collective display of concern. Zvengrowski, captivated by the unfolding drama, decided to film the event.

“I started filming because the other birds were reacting,” he shared.

This is what he captured on video:

Magpie comes back from the dead

To his surprise, the video captures the extraordinary moment when the seemingly lifeless magpie suddenly jolts up and seeks refuge under a nearby parked car.

It became evident that the bird had likely been stunned by a passing vehicle. 

Given the residential setting, Zvengrowski speculates that the accident might not have been severe.

“I do not know what happened, but [the bird] was [in] a residential street playground zone, so it’s unlikely a car would have hit [it] too hard.”

Recognizing the need to assist the recovering magpie, Zvengrowski purchased some snacks from a nearby convenience store, aware of their preference for fatty foods and nuts. 

“I know birds eat a lot of fatty foods and especially love nuts. There was a convenience store nearby, so I bought some,” Zvengrowski said. 

The video above concludes with him offering the bird some sustenance as it regains strength while allowing it some space.

Thanks to the vigilance and persistent calls of its fellow magpies, the fallen bird was prompted to move out of harm’s way swiftly.

Zvengrowski surmises that the magpie likely consumed the nuts, recovered fully, and eventually flew off into the sky.

“I assume the magpie ate the nuts, recovered, and flew away.”

Magpies are omnivorous birds with a diverse diet. Their diet primarily consists of insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, and carrion (dead animals).

They are opportunistic feeders and also consume fruits, seeds, nuts, grains, and occasionally small reptiles or amphibians.

Magpies are known to scavenge for food and are attracted to human settlements where they can find scraps and leftovers.

They are adaptable and resourceful when finding food, using various food sources depending on their availability and season.

This heartwarming encounter is a testament to the compassion and interconnectedness observed within the avian world, reminding us of the profound bonds and support among these remarkable creatures.

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