Why do Crows hate Magpies? (1 Viewer)

[ChrisKten]

Maybe this should be in another sub-forum, but still.

I've noticed that the Crows are far more determined to harass the Magpies this year. They are even setting traps for them: http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1485722&postcount=103

The Jays, however are not harassed by the Crows. This morning, Jays have taken peanuts in shells without being bothered by Crows. But Crows have swooped into the trees 4 times in about an hour after Magpies. As soon as a Magpie is in the garden, a Crow appears from nowhere apparently determined to kill it.

I first noticed the increased determination in the Crows a few weeks back, when they were nesting. I suppose they may not have fledged yet, and perhaps that's what it's all about.

So is it just a case of competing for food/territory? Protecting young? Or is their something else going on?

Has anyone else noticed similar behaviour this year?

 

[Neil-T]

magpies and crows are always "avin a go" around here too. They do compete on all fronts, IE: Food, nesting sites and nesting material. I watched a pair of crows building a nest, as soon as they left the area, magpies would come in and steal some of the twigs, I have also witnesses this the other way around. Magpies and crows will take eachothers young, so they are very competitive. There are considerably more magpies than crows around here though.

 

[ChrisKten]

magpies and crows are always "avin a go" around here too. They do compete on all fronts, IE: Food, nesting sites and nesting material. I watched a pair of crows building a nest, as soon as they left the area, magpies would come in and steal some of the twigs, I have also witnesses this the other way around. Magpies and crows will take eachothers young, so they are very competitive. There are considerably more magpies than crows around here though.

Thanks for replying.

Thinking about it, in my area the numbers of Crows and Magpies are pretty even. I'm guessing that the Crows are trying to keep it that way.