Tuesday, 21 May 2024

What's In a Critter's Name? 87. Magpie

In the 16th Century, misogynists referred to all women as 'Margarets'. They considered the bird's chattering call, to be like that of a woman. 'Mag' is an abbreviation. The 'pie' may refer to the bird's beak; tail or pied plumage.
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