table of contents
- Unpopular Corvids
- Legal basis
- Magpie nest in the garden
- Gently drive away magpies
- frequently asked Questions
Magpies are not among the most popular birds. They are considered thieves and are suspected of being responsible for the decline in songbird populations. Can you remove a magpie's nest in the garden?
In a nutshell
- Magpies important part of nature
- legally protected by nature conservation laws
- Removing or destroying the magpie nests is not allowed
- in case of infringement there is a penalty
- Magpies eat songbird eggs, also destroy carrion and waste
Unpopular Corvids
It has been believed for generations that magpies take everything that glitters. It is true that they sometimes use metal wire to build their nests. However, it has never been proven that the black and white feathered birds steal jewellery.
In addition to the alleged preference for chains and rings, the birds are considered pests in nature. They have been hunted for decades. Bounties were paid for their shooting. Magpies are suspected of eating both the eggs and the offspring of the popular songbirds and are therefore to blame for the decline in populations. Conservationists vehemently reject this assumption. While magpies occasionally eat songbird eggs, they are not the reason for the number of
tits, finches, robin and Co. decreases.Notice: Did you know that magpies are among the most intelligent animals? Along with chimpanzees, gorillas and humans, they are among the few species that pass the mirror test.
Legal basis
Like all other birds, magpies are protected by the Federal Nature Conservation Act (§ 7 para. 2 No. 13) protected.
It is forbidden
- killing or harming the birds
- to destroy a magpie's nest
Notice: Private individuals are bound to comply with nature conservation law. Violators of the law face severe penalties. Hunters, on the other hand, are subject to hunting law, which allows corvids to be driven away during a fixed hunting season (varies from state to state)!
Magpie nest in the garden
If you discover a magpie's nest in your garden, first check whether it is really a disturbance or a danger. Impairments are possible
- noise
- intrusive behavior towards people and pets
- dirt
Gently drive away magpies
If you want to prevent magpies from settling in your garden, you should first get to know the behavior and needs of the intelligent corvids.
Magpies prefer plots where they can find food. They feed on
- earthworms
- small vertebrates
- seeds
- fruits
- bird eggs
- leftovers
Tip: Cover the compost heap and make sure all bins are sealed!
Magpie nests are found preferably on tall trees. From there they have a good overview and can spot enemies in good time.
Tip: Thin out your trees regularly. So you can prevent the settlement of magpies.
Dogs and cats don't like magpies.
Tip: Let your pets run through the garden every now and then. The unwanted corvids will then surely look for another place to breed.
frequently asked Questions
First, accept that magpies are a part of nature and bird eggs are part of their diet. With a natural garden, you can offer songbirds a good habitat. Plant insect-friendly flowering plants so the birds can find enough food. Build nest boxes with an entrance large enough for small songbirds but denying access to magpies. Such a nesting box also gives adult birds refuge from larger enemies.
While pets like cats and dogs merely drive magpies away, birds of prey are among their most dangerous enemies. Carrion crows are the most important nest predators. As soon as the magpies spot a carrion crow, they look for another place to build their nest.
That's not a good idea! Abandoned magpie nests provide valuable breeding grounds for long-eared owls, tree hawks and kestrels. These bird species do not build their own nests, but like to use the magpies' old nesting sites. If you destroy or remove the abandoned magpie nest, you will also harm the rare species of birds.
