Tiny white eggs rest in the nest of the magpie. The magpie is the curious, whimsical mascot that makes its appearance here and there in this website. This cute bird belongs to the crow family and is one of the few animal species able to recognize itself in a mirror. Originally inspired by European folklore and a 19th-century French play, it’s widely believed that magpies have an irresistible attraction to sparkly things, including collecting jewelry for their nests.