Social behaviour

Abstract

Well known, with many detailed studies (as Social Organization). Account supplemented by contribution by G. Kaplan. Usually conspicuous and readily observable (G. Kaplan). Often rather bold and confiding, and readily become tame in and round residential areas, settlements and homesteads, or round human activities, especially where food readily available, such as in gardens and picnic areas (e.g. White 1922:; Geary 1932; McCaskill 1945; Lord 1957; Roberts 1963; Lawrence & Lawrence 1972; see Habitat, Threats and Human Interactions, Food). However, in areas where people seldom encountered, often shy and unapproachable (Jones 2002). Well known for habit of swooping at and attacking people (Jones 2002; see below; also see Threats and Human Interactions). Once, when one male foraged on ground, he sometimes took a few steps, then paused with one foot forward but not quite touching ground; then rocked from one foot to the other, raising each foot c. 2 cm from ground; this tapping continued for 2-3 s, then he moved forward another 30 cm or so before resuming foraging. Thought to have possibly been conflict behaviour rather than feeding method (Baldwin 1976), though Magpies have been recorded foraging by stirring grass with feet (see Food).