magpie

[donkeypete]

why is the magpie considered unlucky? i was once told it was because it refused to enter the ark. has anyone else ever heard this

[dove]

Magpies normaly have one partner (as do many birds) for life. If you see one one its own its possible that its 'other half' has died.
As far as I am aware that is why is is unlucky to see see one magpe,.... that is from the magpies point of view.

[andy-hughes]

One superstition is that the magpie is the Devil's disguise on earth - if you see one, you should salute and say 'Good morning Captain.' to divert the Devil's spell.

Plenty more information here -

http://www.wisdomportal.com/MagpieNotes.html

[lankeela]

My friend drives us mad with 'saluting' magpies - she goes on about 'good morning mr magpie hows your wife and kids' every time she sees one and does a US army style salute. I have never done it and nothing has ever happened to m..aaaargh