Why does the magpie covet shiny objects?

Question

just wondering..whats the deal? why do they love shiny objects so much?

Answer 1

The satin bowerbird collects blue and yellow objects to decorate it's bower and attract females. I'm guessing that your magpies are using shiny objects for a similar purpose (minus the bower). The manipulation and display of the objects may attract females. The philosophy behind the stategy is that a bird with the energy, time and ability to collect such objects must have pretty good survival skills and would therefore make a suitable father.

Answer 2

coz they're greedy little *******.