Odd magpie behaviour?

[smartie]

I don't know if it is odd, but I've never seen it before.

We've a pair of magpies nesting in the garden and several more about. One of the "residents" has been sitting lower down in the tree in which they are nesting from time to time over the last few days making an odd and rather plaintive single note call like a whistley "seep", and each time it makes the call it just slightly flips out its wings. Nothing else happens - after a while it stops and flies away. New behaviour to me and I wonder what it signifies. Can anyone help?

[blueaquatics]

Possibly telling the other pies "this is my nest, leave it alone". I beleive magpies will steal nesting material from other nests. the flying away, is probably trying to steer the other pies away from the nest.

[nightshade]

I would have though that the best place to defend nesting materials
would be on the nest! perhaps the bird is an early youngster begging to be fed

[Paul mabbott]

Magpies often have the most odd behaviour - perhaps because they're so visible?
Several times (about three, really ...) I've seen a gang of magpies on a flat roof nearby with two of them wrestling (if you can do that without arms?) while the rest of the gang sit around in a circle either cheering on the contestants or making bets? This isn't a brief phenomenon - I've seen the fight go on for 10-15 mins ....

[nightshade]

When my kitten leapt onto the back of a magpie (a bird bigger than itself)
the gang of 'pies sat around hooting encouragement (or laughter) until it
finally shook off its tiny would be predator

[Kymba]

I have lots of magpies in the trees on the bank at the back of my garden. I am constantly amused by their antics
They are constantly ganging up on the Crows that live in the trees to..Normally two or three Magpies against one Crow. the fights can go on for ages as the magpies wont give up until the crow finally flies away.

[brainfarmer]

they are great birds much persecuted and maligned. as for the specific behaviour it sounds a bit like it may have lost its brood and so is making a half hearted attempt to distract attention from the nest or young birds who havent learnt all the magpies tricks

[Kymba]

I think magpies are lovely Birds their colouring is amazing,How can such a beautiful Bird have such Ugly Chicks..
When i worked in a wildlife rescue centre I was always totally amazed watching these ugly chicks turn into such beautys.. talk about The ugly Duckling

[Madelinew]

They really are beautiful birds and I love the iridescent blue on their backs. One of our residents comes in very close and I get to study it thoroughly. I do find them very entertaining and they are very smart birds too but even I was seriously miffed when one emptied the nest of a song thrush last year. I normally don't flinch at the reality of nature but I did feel this was taking things too far....