Pica - Health Tips for parents Kid's Health Pica Many young kids put nonfood items in their mouths at one time or another. They're naturally curious about their environment and might, for instance, eat some dirt out of the sandbox. Kids with pica, however, go beyond this innocent exploration of their surroundings. About Pica The word pica comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its large and indiscriminate appetite. Pica is most common in people with developmental disabilities, like autism and intellectual disabilities, and in children between the ages of 2 and 3. Pica also may surface in children who've had a brain injury affecting their development. It can also be a problem for some pregnant women, as well as people with epilepsy. People with pica frequently crave and eat nonfood items such as: dirt toothpaste soap Pica is an eating disorder that can result in serious health problems, such as lead poisoning and iron-deficiency anemia .

Signs of Pica Warning signs that a child may have pica include: eating of nonfood items, despite efforts to restrict it, for a period of at least 1 month or longer the behavior is considered inappropriate for your child's age or developmental stage the behavior is not part of a cultural, ethnic, or religious practice Why Do Some People Eat Nonfood Items?

The specific causes of pica are unknown, but certain conditions and situations can increase a person's risk: nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or zinc, that may trigger specific cravings (however, the nonfood items craved usually don't supply the minerals lacking in the person's body) dieting — people who diet may attempt to ease hunger by eating nonfood substances to get a feeling of fullness malnutrition , especially in developing countries, where people with pica most commonly eat soil or clay cultural factors — in families, religions, or groups in which eating nonfood substances is a learned practice parental neglect, lack of supervision, or food deprivation — often seen in children living in poverty developmental problems, such as mental retardation, autism, other developmental disabilities, or brain abnormalities mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia pregnancy, but it's been suggested that pica during pregnancy occurs more frequently in women who exhibited similar practices during their childhood or before pregnancy or who have a history of pica in their family Eating earth substances such as clay or dirt is a form of pica known as geophagia, which can cause iron deficiency.

One theory to explain geophagia is that in some cultures, eating clay or dirt is believed to help relieve nausea (and therefore, morning sickness), control diarrhea, increase salivation, remove toxins, and alter odor or taste perception. Some people claim to enjoy the taste and texture of dirt or clay or other non-food item, and eat it as part of a daily habit (much like smoking is a daily routine for others). Pica may also be a behavioral response to stress. Another explanation is that pica is a cultural feature of certain religious rituals, folk medicine, and magical beliefs. For example, some people in various cultures believe that eating dirt will help them incorporate magical spirits into their bodies. None of these theories, though, explains every form of pica. A doctor must treat each case individually to try to understand what's causing the condition. When to Call the Doctor If your child is at risk for pica, talk to your doctor. If your child has consumed a harmful substance, seek medical care immediately. If you think your child has ingested something poisonous, call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222.

A child who continues to consume nonfood items may be at risk for serious health problems, including: lead poisoning (from eating lead-based paint chips or dirt contaminated with lead) constipation or diarrhea (from consuming indigestible substances like hair, cloth, etc.) intestinal obstruction or perforation (from eating objects that could block or injure the intestines) tooth or mouth injuries (from eating hard substances that could harm the teeth) parasitic and other infections (from eating dirt, feces, or other infected substances) Medical emergencies and death can occur if the craved substance is toxic or contaminated with lead or mercury, or if the item forms an indigestible mass blocking the intestines. Pica involving lead-containing substances during pregnancy may be associated with an increase in both maternal and fetal lead levels. What Will the Doctor Do? Your doctor will play an important role in helping you manage and prevent pica-related behaviors, educating you on teaching your child about acceptable and unacceptable food substances. The doctor will also work with you on ways to to restrict the nonfood items your child craves (i.e., using child-safety locks and high shelving, and keeping household chemicals and medications out of reach).

Some kids require behavioral intervention and families may need to work with a psychologist or other mental health professional. Medication may also be prescribed if pica is associated with significant behavioral problems not responding to behavioral treatments. Your doctor may check for anemia or other nutritional deficiencies. A child who has ingested a potentially harmful substance, such as lead, will be screened for lead and other toxic substances and might undergo stool testing for parasites. In some cases, X-rays or other imaging may be helpful to identify what was eaten or to look for bowel problems, such as an obstruction. Fortunately, pica usually improves as kids get older. But for individuals with developmental or mental health concerns, pica may continue to be problem. Ongoing treatment and maintaining a safe environment and are key to managing this condition. Published on: 2016-08-11 The RSPB: Magpie Conservation status: Green With its noisy chattering, black-and-white plumage and long tail, there is nothing else quite like the magpie in the UK. When seen close-up its black plumage takes on an altogether more colourful hue with a purplish-blue iridescent sheen to the wing feathers, and a green gloss to the tail.

Magpies seem to be jacks of all trades - scavengers, predators and pest-destroyers, their challenging, almost arrogant attitude has won them few friends. Non-breeding birds will gather together in flocks. Illustrations Pica — The Eating Disorder That's Not About Food - Eating Disorders Center - Everyday Health We respect your privacy . Many people have odd food cravings now and again, but imagine wanting to eat soil, vinyl gloves, even burned matches. These are just some of the non-food cravings experienced by those with the eating disorder pica. Pica got its name from the Latin word for magpie, a bird that eats just about anything. “Pica is an eating disorder that involves the consumption of substances that have little or no nutritional value for a period of at least one month in individuals who are older than 18 to 24 months,” explains Suzanne Lugerner, RN, director of clinical nutrition at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Pica: Who Is Affected? This non-food cravings eating disorder can be found in 10 percent to 32 percent of children between the ages of 1 and 6, according to the National Library of Medicine.

These youngsters will eat paint, plaster, string, hair, and cloth. Older children consume anything from animal droppings, sand, and insects to leaves, pebbles, and cigarette butts. Teens and adults most commonly eat clay or soil, though people have been found to ingest lead, laundry starch, plastic, pencil erasers, ice, fingernails, paper, coal, chalk, wood, plaster, light bulbs, needles, string, and wire. Among mentally and developmentally disabled people, especially those ages 10 to 20, pica is the most common eating disorder and is found in 20 percent of children treated at mental health clinics. Among adults, pica can start during the first trimester of pregnancy , but there are other people who have it as well. “It has been associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia,” says Lugerner. “And the ingestion of dirt or clay has been reported throughout the world in poor societies, in the tropics and subtropics.” Strange cravings can sometimes be triggered by not getting enough nutrients, including iron and zinc. Still other people with pica simply desire a specific texture in their mouth.

No one really knows exactly how common it is, as many patients are probably too embarrassed to discuss the behavior. Pica: The Symptoms Symptoms of pica are generally related to what’s been ingested. These substances may contain poisons, toxic chemicals, or bacteria. Once eaten, they can damage the gastrointestinal tract, and that can result in bowel problems, ulcerations, perforations, or obstructions, says Lugerner. Pica: The Treatment Certain tests can be a good start toward determining treatment , including hemoglobin to check for anemia, lead levels if paint or objects coated with lead paint have been consumed, and gastrointestinal tests to rule out infection in the case of soil or animal waste being ingested. As a first step, treatment should replace missing nutrients if applicable and address any other health issues. Looking at the bigger picture, a multi-faceted approach including developmental, behavioral, and environmental therapy along with family education is often recommended. Sometimes treatment can succeed when the individual experiences negative consequences after eating a non-food substance, and then gets positive reinforcement for consuming proper food. Pica: The Prognosis Ultimately the prognosis depends on a variety of factors.

Pica may stop spontaneously in children and pregnant women , but can go on for years in people with mental and developmental disabilities unless treatment is sought. In the case of those with special needs, sometimes medication can be used to lessen the pica eating. Regardless of the root cause, seeking a doctor’s help is key to starting the road to recovery . Last Updated: ANRED: Pica People whose diets are deficient in minerals contained in the consumed substances People who have psychiatric disturbances such as hysteria People with developmental disabilities or similar impairments. People whose family or ethnic customs include eating certain non-food substances People who diet, become hungry, and then try to ease hunger and cravings with low-calorie, non-food substances. Some pica is harmless But if the craved substance is toxic or contaminated (intestinal infections and parasites are particular concerns), or if it blocks the intestines, it can lead to medical emergency and death. Medical evaluation is essential. Pica: facts and theories The person must regularly eat these craved substances for a month or more before a diagnosis is given. The name “pica” comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird that is famous for eating anything and everything.

Perhaps ten to twenty percent of children have pica at some time before adulthood. Depending on the population, zero percent to sixty-eight percent of pregnant women have pica. Those in lower socioeconomic groups seem to have more of these cravings. In some cases, pica is related not to dietary deficiencies but to folk traditions passed on in families or ethnic groups. Some people treat clay or dirt eating as a part of daily routine, somewhat like smoking. Others believe that eating dirt will help them incorporate magical spirits from the Earth into their bodies. Still others believe that certain kinds of clay will suppress morning sickness when eaten. Some children with pica may be imitating a pet dog or cat. Stress may be a precipitating factor, especially the stress of dieting when the person tries to relieve hunger and cravings with non-food substances. There is evidence to support the hypothesis that at least some pica is a response to dietary deficiency. Pregnant women, for example, have given up pica after they were treated for iron-deficiency anemia. But other cases of pica can cause dietary deficiencies because the consumed substances block absorption of essential nutrients in the intestines.

If pica is a lifestyle choice that does not harm the individual, and if it is not part of an underlying eating disorder, it can go untreated, but care should be taken to protect against toxic substances (such as lead in paint and plaster chips). The person must be alert for symptoms (pain, lack of bowel movements, abdominal bloat and distention) that suggest the substance has formed an indigestible mass that has blocked the intestines. If such is the case, immediate medical attention is necessary. magpie - Wiktionary magpie A superficially similar Australian bird, Gymnorhina tibicen or Cracticus tibicen . Someone who displays a magpie-like quality such as collecting, or committing robbery. (Pica pica): Eurasian magpie , European magpie , common magpie The terms below need to be checked and allocated to the definitions (senses) of the headword above. Each term should appear in the sense for which it is appropriate. Use the template {{ sense |"gloss"}}, substituting a short version of the definition for "gloss". Pica Pica What Will the Doctor Do? Many young kids put nonfood items in their mouths at one time or another.

They're naturally curious about their environment and might, for instance, eat some dirt out of the sandbox. Kids with pica, however, go beyond this innocent exploration of their surroundings. About Pica The word pica comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its large and indiscriminate appetite. Pica is most common in people with developmental disabilities, like autism and intellectual disabilities, and in children between the ages of 2 and 3. Pica also may surface in children who've had a brain injury affecting their development. It can also be a problem for some pregnant women, as well as people with epilepsy. People with pica frequently crave and eat nonfood items such as: dirt toothpaste soap Pica is an eating disorder that can result in serious health problems, such as lead poisoning and iron-deficiency anemia . Signs of Pica Warning signs that a child may have pica include: eating of nonfood items, despite efforts to restrict it, for a period of at least 1 month or longer the behavior is considered inappropriate for your child's age or developmental stage the behavior is not part of a cultural, ethnic, or religious practice Why Do Some People Eat Nonfood Items?

The specific causes of pica are unknown, but certain conditions and situations can increase a person's risk: nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or zinc, that may trigger specific cravings (however, the nonfood items craved usually don't supply the minerals lacking in the person's body) dieting — people who diet may attempt to ease hunger by eating nonfood substances to get a feeling of fullness malnutrition , especially in developing countries, where people with pica most commonly eat soil or clay cultural factors — in families, religions, or groups in which eating nonfood substances is a learned practice parental neglect, lack of supervision, or food deprivation — often seen in children living in poverty developmental problems, such as mental retardation, autism, other developmental disabilities, or brain abnormalities mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia pregnancy, but it's been suggested that pica during pregnancy occurs more frequently in women who exhibited similar practices during their childhood or before pregnancy or who have a history of pica in their family Eating earth substances such as clay or dirt is a form of pica known as geophagia, which can cause iron deficiency.

One theory to explain geophagia is that in some cultures, eating clay or dirt is believed to help relieve nausea (and therefore, morning sickness), control diarrhea, increase salivation, remove toxins, and alter odor or taste perception. Some people claim to enjoy the taste and texture of dirt or clay or other non-food item, and eat it as part of a daily habit (much like smoking is a daily routine for others). Pica may also be a behavioral response to stress. Another explanation is that pica is a cultural feature of certain religious rituals, folk medicine, and magical beliefs. For example, some people in various cultures believe that eating dirt will help them incorporate magical spirits into their bodies. None of these theories, though, explains every form of pica. A doctor must treat each case individually to try to understand what's causing the condition. previous continue When to Call the Doctor If your child is at risk for pica, talk to your doctor. If your child has consumed a harmful substance, seek medical care immediately. If you think your child has ingested something poisonous, call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222.

A child who continues to consume nonfood items may be at risk for serious health problems, including: lead poisoning (from eating lead-based paint chips or dirt contaminated with lead) constipation or diarrhea (from consuming indigestible substances like hair, cloth, etc.) intestinal obstruction or perforation (from eating objects that could block or injure the intestines) tooth or mouth injuries (from eating hard substances that could harm the teeth) parasitic and other infections (from eating dirt, feces, or other infected substances) Medical emergencies and death can occur if the craved substance is toxic or contaminated with lead or mercury, or if the item forms an indigestible mass blocking the intestines. Pica involving lead-containing substances during pregnancy may be associated with an increase in both maternal and fetal lead levels. What Will the Doctor Do? Your doctor will play an important role in helping you manage and prevent pica-related behaviors, educating you on teaching your child about acceptable and unacceptable food substances. The doctor will also work with you on ways to to restrict the nonfood items your child craves (i.e., using child-safety locks and high shelving, and keeping household chemicals and medications out of reach).

Some kids require behavioral intervention and families may need to work with a psychologist or other mental health professional. Medication may also be prescribed if pica is associated with significant behavioral problems not responding to behavioral treatments. Your doctor may check for anemia or other nutritional deficiencies. A child who has ingested a potentially harmful substance, such as lead, will be screened for lead and other toxic substances and might undergo stool testing for parasites. In some cases, X-rays or other imaging may be helpful to identify what was eaten or to look for bowel problems, such as an obstruction. Fortunately, pica usually improves as kids get older. But for individuals with developmental or mental health concerns, pica may continue to be problem. Ongoing treatment and maintaining a safe environment and are key to managing this condition. DoctorNDTV: Health Information on Pica Consultant & Head, Department of Pediatrics Jaber Al-Ahmed Armed Forces Hospital, Kuwait What is Pica? Pica is the Latin word for magpie, a bird that is famous for eating anything and everything.

It is an eating disorder in which there is a constant craving for non-food items like ice, earth, dirt, clay, paint, plaster, chalk, wool, ashes, burnt match heads, charcoal, rust and other such items that are not usually considered food. Why is it caused? There is no identifiable cause for pica. In some cases, the following predisposing factors may be present. Nutritional deficiencies including iron and zinc, which may be fulfilled by consuming something that contains them. However, many believe that these deficiencies are secondary to pica. Pica is often associated with lead intoxication. Increased nutritional requirements especially during pregnancy, which if not met, may lead to abnormal eating. Excessive dieting: People who diet may become hungry and try to satiate their hunger with low-calorie, non-food substances. Mental retardation, lack of parental nurturing, maternal deprivation, family disorganization and lack of supervision. Psychological disturbances such as hysteria. Ethnic customs that include eating certain non-food substances. What is the incidence of the disorder? The age of onset is usually 1 to 2 years. Pica is seen in 25 to 30% of children between one and six years of age.

It usually remits in childhood but can continue into adolescence and adulthood. It is more common in the low socio-economic classes. 70% of pregnant women have pica. What are the associated complications? Cravings for toxic or contaminated substances may lead to gastrointestinal infestations and blockage. There may be symptoms like pain, lack of bowel movements and abdominal bloating. This may suggest that the substance has formed an indigestible mass and may have blocked the gastrointestinal tract. In such cases immediate medical attention becomes necessary. How is it diagnosed? Pica is diagnosed by actual observation of repeated or chronic ingestion of non-nutritive foods. There is no test that confirms pica. However, since it is associated in some cases with malnutrition, several tests may be needed. The degree and type of anaemia should be ascertained. Tests for iron and zinc deficiency and lead intoxication may be necessary. These children should be tested for parasitic infestations. Appropriate psychological assessment is necessary to detect mental subnormality, deviant behaviour and/or neurological deficits and to distinguish from autism and schizophrenia. What is the treatment? If pica is a lifestyle choice that does not harm the individual, it can go untreated.

But if there is a craving for toxic or contaminated substances, treating the condition becomes important. Treatment emphasizes psychosocial, environmental and family guidance approaches. Positive reinforcement may help in most cases. Associated medical and surgical problems will need appropriate treatment. Pica | definition of pica by Medical dictionary Pica | definition of pica by Medical dictionary Definition Pica is the persistent craving and compulsive eating of nonfood substances. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, classifies it as a feeding and eating disorder of childhood. Description The puzzling phenomenon of pica has been recognized and described since ancient times. Pica has been observed in ethnic groups worldwide, in both primitive and modernized cultures, in both sexes, and in all age groups. The word pica comes from the Latin name for magpie, a bird known for its unusual and indiscriminate eating habits. In addition to humans, pica has been observed in other animals, including the chimpanzee. Pica in humans has many different subgroups, defined by the substance that is ingested. Some of the most commonly described types of pica are eating earth, soil or clay (geophagia), ice (pagophagia) and starch (amylophagia).

However, pica involving dozens of other substances, including cigarette butts and ashes, hair, paint chips, and paper have also been reported. In one unusual case, the patient ingested transdermal patches of fentanyl, an opioid medication given for severe pain . Eating the skin patch increased the patient's dose of the drug by a factor of 10. Although pica can occur in individuals of any background, a higher incidence of pica is associated with: developmental delay and mental retardation psychiatric disease and autism poor nutrition or low blood levels of iron and other minerals certain cultural or religious traditions Causes and symptoms Evidence suggests that there may be several causes of pica. One widely held theory points to iron deficiency as a major cause of pica. Several reports have described pica in individuals with documented iron deficiency, although there has been uncertainty as to whether the iron deficiency was a cause of pica or a result of it. Because some substances, such as clay, are believed to block the absorption of iron into the bloodstream, it was thought that low blood levels of iron could be the direct result of pica. However, some studies have shown that pica cravings in individuals with iron deficiency stop once iron supplements are given to correct the deficiency.

Another study looked specifically at the rate of iron absorption during pica conditions and normal dietary behavior, and showed that the iron absorption was not decreased by pica. In addition, low blood levels of iron commonly occur in pregnant women and those with poor nutrition, two populations at higher risk for pica. Such findings offer strong support of iron deficiency as a cause, rather than result, of pica. Other reports suggest that pica may have a psychological basis and may even fall into the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder . Pica has a higher incidence in populations with an underlying diagnosis involving mental functioning. These diagnoses include psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, developmental disorders including autism, and conditions with mental retardation. These conditions are not characterized by iron deficiency, which supports a psychological component in the cause of pica. Cultural and religious traditions may also play a role in pica behavior. In some cultures, nonfood substances are believed to have positive health or spiritual effects. Among some African Americans in the south, ingesting a particular kind of white clay is believed to promote health and reduce morning sickness during pregnancy. Other cultures practice pica out of belief that eating a particular substance may promote fertility or bring good luck.

The hallmark feature of pica, consistently consuming nonfood substances, often does not present publicly. People may be embarrassed to admit to these unusual eating habits, and may hide it from their family and physician. In other cases, an individual may not report the pica to a physician simply because of a lack of knowledge of pica's potential medical significance. Because the eating behaviors of pica are not usually detected or reported, it is the complications of the behavior that bring it to attention. Complications vary, depending on the type of pica. Geophagia has potential side effects that most commonly affect the intestine and bowel. Complications can include constipation , cramping, pain, obstruction caused by formation of an indigestible mass, perforation from sharp objects like rocks or gravel, and contamination and infection from soil-dwelling parasites. Amylophagia usually involves the consumption of cornstarch and, less frequently, laundry starch. The high caloric content of starch can cause excessive weight gain, while at the same time leading to malnutrition , as starch contributes "empty" calories lacking vitamins and minerals . Amylophagia during pregnancy can mimic gestational diabetes in its presentation and even in its potential harmful effects on the fetus.

Pica involving the ingestion of substances such as lead-based paint or paper containing mercury can cause symptoms of toxic poisoning . Compulsive consumption of even a seemingly harmless substance like ice (pagophagia) can have negative side effects, including decreased absorption of nutrients by the gut. Diagnosis In order for the diagnosis of pica to be made, there must be a history of persistent consumption of a nonfood substance continuing for a minimum period of one month. Infants and toddlers are typically excluded from this diagnosis since mouthing objects is a normal developmental behavior at that age. Individuals with mental retardation who function at or below an approximate cognitive level of 18 months may also be exempt form this diagnosis. Pica is most often diagnosed when a report of such behaviors can be provided by the patient or documented by another individual. In other cases, pica is diagnosed after studies have been performed to assess the presenting symptoms. For example, imaging studies ordered to assess severe gastrointestinal complaints may reveal intestinal blockage with an opaque substance; such a finding is suggestive of pica. Biopsy of intestinal contents can also reveal findings, such as parasitic infection, consistent with pica. Pica may also be suspected if abnormal levels of certain minerals or chemicals are detected in the blood.

Pica in pregnant women is sometimes diagnosed after childbirth because of a health problem in the newborn caused by the substance(s) ingested by the mother. In one instance reported in Chicago, a newborn girl was treated for lead poisoning caused by her mother's eating fragments of lead-glazed pottery during pregnancy. Treatment Treatment of pica will often depend on the cause and type of pica. Conventional medical treatment may be appropriate in certain situations. For example, supplementation with iron-containing vitamins has been shown to cause the unusual cravings to subside in some iron-deficient patients. Medical complications and health threats, including high lead levels, bowel perforation or intestinal obstruction, will require additional medical management, beyond addressing the underlying issue of pica. Alternative treatment Because most cases of pica do not have an obvious medical cause, treatment with counseling, education, and nutritional management is often more successful and more appropriate than treatment with medication. Some therapists specializing in eating disorders may have expertise in treating pica. Prognosis The prognosis for individuals with pica varies greatly, according to the type and amount of substance ingested, the extent of presenting side effects, and the success of treatment.

Many of the side effects and complications of pica can be reversed once the behavior is stopped, while other complications, including infection and bowel perforation, pose significant health threats and if not successfully treated may result in death . When seen in children, pica behavior tends to lessen with age. However, individuals with a history of pica are more likely to experience it again. Counseling and nutritional education can reduce the risk of recurrence. Prevention There are no known methods of preventing pica. However, once pica is known or suspected, measures can be taken to reduce further ingestion of nonfood substances. Removing the particular substance from readily accessible areas can be helpful. Close observation of the individual with pica may limit inappropriate eating behaviors. Key terms Amylophagia — The compulsive eating of purified starch, typically cornstarch or laundry starch. Geophagia — The compulsive eating of earthy substances, including sand, soil, and clay. Pagophagia — The compulsive eating of ice. Resources Books American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed, revised. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

Beers, Mark H., MD, and Robert Berkow, MD., editors. "Anemias." In The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 2004. Beers, Mark H., MD, and Robert Berkow, MD., editors. "Malnutrition." Section 1, Chapter 2 In The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 2002. Periodicals Jackson, W. Clay. "Amylophagia Presenting as Gestational Diabetes." Archives of Family Medicine 9 (July 2000): 649-652. Kirschner, Jeffrey. "Management of Pica: A Medical Enigma." American Family Physician 63, no. 6 (March 15, 2001): 1169. Liappas, I. A., N. P. Dimopoulos, E. Mellos, et al.

"Oral Transmucosal Abuse of Transdermal Fentanyl." Journal of Psychopharmacology 18 (June 2004): 277-280. Moya, J., C. F. Bearer, and R. A. Etzel. "Children's Behavior and Physiology and How It Affects Exposure to Environmental Contaminants." Pediatrics 113 (April 2004): 996-1006. Mycyk, M. B., and J. B. Leikin. "Combined Exchange Transfusion and Chelation Therapy for Neonatal Lead Poisoning." Annals of Pharmacotherapy 38 (May 2004): 821-824. Organizations American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-3007. (202) 966-7300. Fax: (202) 966-2891. Other Magpie FAQ Magpie FAQ BirdWatch Ireland received more queries about Magpies than any other bird.

Some people love them, some people hate them, but everyone seems to have an opinion about them. With this in mind, we have decided to answer some of the most commonly-asked questions about this well-known Irish bird here. ⇒ How did the Magpie get its name? The term “pie” is derived from French, which itself comes from the Latin word “pica”, meaning black-and-white, or pied. Pie forms the basis of most vernacular names for this species. The modern name became established from about 1600 onwards in the midlands and south of England . The species was known as “Piannet” in the north of England at that time. Magpie is derived from “Magot Pie”, which first appeared in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. The Magpie is known as the “Pie Bavarde” in French, the “Urraca” in Spanish, the “Elster” in German, the “Gazza” in Italian and the “Snag Breac” in Irish. ⇒ What is the scientific name of the Magpie? The scientific name of the magpie is Pica pica, a reference to its black-and-white plumage.

⇒ What family of birds does the Magpie belong to? The Magpie is a member of the crow family, the Corvidae. It belongs to the genus Pica, which consists of 3 species: These species provide a link between the true crows and the jays. ⇒ What does the Magpie look like? Magpies are familiar birds to most, with their distinctive black-and-white plumage, and they are not easily confused with any other Irish bird. Seen at close range, the black feathers have a metallic sheen, bluish-purple on the body and green on the tail. The tail itself is a very striking feature; it is wedge-shaped and very long (about as long as the body). ⇒ What habitat do Magpies live in? In Europe the Magpie is predominantly a lowland bird of open or lightly wooded country. Magpies prefer areas which provide the opportunity to forage on the ground, nest, roost and find cover. Magpies will inhabit both broad-leaved and coniferous woodland. In the recent past a notable development has been their spread into urban areas, including large cities. ⇒ What are the habits of the Magpie? The Magpie is a very social and conspicuous bird.

It is normally observed in pairs or family parties. However it is not unusual to see small flocks or communal roosts. Some pairs maintain a territory throughout the year while others abandon their territory outside the breeding season. It is not unusual to see non-breeding birds within a pair’s territory; it may well be that they are the offspring of a previous year. They are often seen close to humans and can appear to be quite bold, though always very wary. Magpies have a “confident” demeanour and may be seen strutting about with their tails held high. They will readily take to driving off predators such as birds of prey or domestic cats. ⇒ What do Magpies eat? Magpies are omnivorous. They feed mainly on the ground, eating a wide range of food, e.g., beetles, seeds, berries, small mammals, small birds and their eggs, nestlings and even reptiles. They may be often observed searching the roads early in the morning for road kill. They will often scavenge around homes, parks etc. searching out scraps. ⇒ What are the breeding habits of the Magpie? The Magpie is a solitary nester.

The nest is a dome of thorny twigs with a side entrance placed high in a tree. The inside is lined with hair, wool, etc. Normally a new nest is built each year, and both partners take part in the building of the nest. Usually 5–7 eggs are laid; these are usually bluish-green and are incubated for up to 3 weeks. The young remain in the nest for a couple of weeks following hatching while being fed by the parents. The fledglings remain close to the nest for a few days. When the Magpies abandon the nest it is frequently used by other species, e.g. Kestrel, Long-eared Owl. ⇒ What is the worldwide range of the Magpie? The Magpie’s range extends throughout much of the biogeographical region known as the Palearctic. It is found throughout Europe , extending eastwards through most of central and southern Siberia to the Pacific. There is also an isolated population in SW Arabia. ⇒ What is the history of the Magpie in Ireland ? Magpies were apparently first recorded in Wexford in 1676: a report of a flock of a dozen flying in over the sea.

Breeding in Dublin was first noted in 1852. Magpies have shown a marked increase in numbers over much of the country since the late 1940s. A dramatic fall in the species population in the late 1950s and early 1960s seems to have been the result of certain agricultural chemicals. Following the withdrawal of organochlorine pesticides used as seed dressings, Magpie numbers have increased. There has been a notable spread into urban areas, and they now breed in inner Dublin ⇒ What is the status of the Magpie in Ireland today? The current Countryside Bird Survey has revealed that the magpie is the 8th most widespread species in the Republic of Ireland , having been recorded in 85% of the survey’s 1-kilometre squares. However, despite the apparent abundance the average count per survey square is only 5. This is far less than, e.g., the Blackbird with 13 or the Wren and the Swallow with 14. ⇒ Are Magpies destructive towards small birds? It is true that Magpies will take the eggs and the young of other birds.

However this predation is restricted to a relatively short period, and for most of the year they take other foods. A recent survey on urban Magpies showed that eggs and young birds form a small percentage of their diet. It is probably fair to say that Magpies may sometimes be blamed for predation by domestic cats, squirrels or rats, and are often used as scapegoats when the real reason for a local decline in small birds is habitat destruction, the biggest threat of all to our birdlife. Detailed census work has shown no major decline in the populations of small birds that may be attributed to Magpies. A fluctuation in the numbers of small birds is more usually associated with habitat change or severe winters. Normally, predators do not control the numbers of their prey: the predator population cannot increase beyond a level which the prey can support. A partial predator such as the Magpie is unlikely to have any lasting effect on small birds and their hatchlings. ⇒ What is the legal position in relation to the control of Magpie numbers? Largely because Magpies eat the young of intensively reared gamebirds, the law states that an authorised person may kill them at any time of the year or destroy their nests.

An authorised person would be the landowner or someone acting with the permission of the landowner. The use of poison is illegal in most cases and is not recommended as a method of control for Magpies, particularly in suburban circumstances. Care should be taken to ensure that it is indeed Magpies that are occupying a Magpie’s nest that is to be destroyed, as they are often used by other species. ⇒ What effect have control measures on the population of Magpies? Where Magpies are common, control measures are unlikely to be effective, as new birds will quickly move in to replace those which have been killed. As the main predation of nests takes place when Magpies are feeding young, preventing them from hatching their eggs may better reduce the problem. However, this would only be necessary in very extreme circumstances. ⇒ What may be done in gardens to better protect small birds from Magpies? In gardens, thick cover provided by dense hedges, bushes and creepers in which small birds nest may diminish the level of Magpie predation. Particularly good are evergreens such as laurel, yew and ivy, especially when they are close to the house.

Question: Pica Pica is the Latin name for which bird?
Answer: Magpie