This creature, subject of a snowy 1868 Impressionist work belongs to a genus that is also the name of an abnormal craving associated with iron deficiency. What has recently been observed regarding this creature and mirrors?

zbeckabee

The researchers subjected the magpies to a mark test, wherein a mark is placed on the subject's body in such a way that it can only be seen in a mirror. When the magpies engaged in activity that was directed towards the mark (e.g. scratching at it), the researchers were able to conclude that these birds recognized the image in the mirror as themselves, and not another animal. http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/self_recognition_in_mirrors_not_just_for_advanced_creatures http://biology.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pbio.0060202&ct=1 The scant research that has been done on the root causes of pica suggests that the majority of those afflicted tend to suffer some biochemical deficiency, and more often, iron deficiency. The condition's name comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird which is reputed to eat almost anything. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pica_(disorder) Now...for that art work... The Magpie (in the Snow) by Monet. http://www.scholarsresource.com/browse/work/2144551715 Nov 18 08, 10:48 PM

edmund80

Excellent! This is the first time that self-recognition has been demonstrated in a non-mammal. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7570291.stm And another picture of Monet's "The Magpie". http://www.abcgallery.com/M/monet/monet161.html Nov 18 08, 11:09 PM