Magpies are actually members of the Crow family. This family of birds, which also includes ravens, jays, and nutcrackers, has evolved the highest degree of intelligence among birds. Members of this family have learned to count, can solve puzzles, and can quickly learn to associate certain noises and symbols with food. I'm sure most interior Alaska residents have heard the typical rapid nasal magpie call. Often times you hear them long before you see them in the shrub thickets they seem to prefer.
Magpies are also capable of mimicking sounds uttered by other birds, animals, and even humans.
Magpies are usually gregarious, which means they like to live in groups. They breed in small colonies with scattered bulky dome shaped nests. These nests are often reused from year to year. Magpies will repair the old nests or even build a new nest on top of the old one. During spring courtship displays, male magpies strut before their potential mates flashing their wings before finally chasing them around.