Buenchico,
"...more likely to be on the receiving end of aggression from other birds (especially, I've noted, from wood pigeons)..." ????????
Here in South Yorkshire the maggies thrive on nest-raiding at this time of year. They seem to be particularly partial to young blackbirds. On the other hand, the local wood pigeons seem to be vegetarian. Are things different in the wilds of Suffolk?
I have to agree that in breeding plumage magpies are beautiful birds. They are rowdy beggars though and make an almighty "clatter". Having said that, the endless coo-ing of the randyasyoulike pigeon population can also be a tad irritating. Especially when they seem to be "getting their wings over" more than me.
Like I said, this is South Yorkshire.