The last decade or so has seen a number of field studies, in Europe and the States, into the intricacies of the magpie way of life. The author has studied both species of magpie in Europe and the United States, and provides, in this text, an account of their ecology and behaviour. He covers all aspects of their lives - from marital relationships, food hoarding behaviour, longevity and survival, to nesting behaviour, breeding success, and their controversial relationship with man.