Monitoring of the magpies (Pica pica) autumn-winter territorial nesting life in Birobidzhan (Middle Amur region)

The article presents facts about the autumn-winter territorial nesting life of the magpie (Pica pica) in Birobidzhan (Middle Amur region). The author has described scattered observations starting from 2004 and watching of one pair of magpies for the spring period of 2005-2007. It was revealed that in the autumn-winter period, the sedentary magpies of Birobidzhan, along with attachment to the permanent nesting area, show an interest in last year’s nests located within it. They also show the elements of reproductive and nest-building behavior. Thus, autumn-winter period may serve both as a period of experiencing an unfavorable season and as a kind of pre-nesting period, allowing some sedentary pairs adaptation for earlier and more successful nesting. The last year’s nest protection by magpies makes sense as it preserves a supply of building material that can be used at an earlier date, even if there is snow cover. Guarding the last year’s nest and the territory probably enhances guarding and reproductive behavior. In addition, this material gives an idea of some nesting biology aspects of magpie in the Jewish Autonomous region and the annual life cycle timing of this species.