Magpie is the common name for 11 species of long-tailed, black-and-white birds of the family Corvidae, related to the JAYS and CROWS. The black-billed magpie, Pica pica, is abundant throughout western North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It averages 50 cm (20 in), with its wedge-shaped tail accounting for more than half its length.

Sometimes it is called Francach, a Frenchman, though no one knows why. Many unusual stories are narrated of this bird, arising from its quaint ways, its adroit cunning and habits of petty larceny. Its influence is not considered evil, though to meet one alone in the morning when going on a journey is an ill omen, but to meet more than one magpie betokens good fortune, according to the old rhyme which runs thus--

"One for Sorrow Two for Mirth Three for Marriage Four for a Birth."

Or

"One for sorrow Two for joy Three for a girl Four for a boy."

The magpie in Ireland