h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My parents have a magpie in a cage. They saved him after they found him witha shattered wing, and have almost domesticated him. In the summer they set his cage in the backyard so he can be outdoors. Other magpies will come to visit. I've seen him poke food through the bars to the other magpies. They also bring him food.

I also have many magpies where I live.Sometimes they do torment my cat. I've seen them prance around within 2 feet of the cat, squawking the whole time. It looks like something out of a safari movie, when you see a whole pride of lions relaxing just yards from a herd of zebras. However, I have seen a couple of dead magpies around, so maybe the cat does get revenge after all.