The Curious Case of Co-Lying: Australian Magpies' Playful Bonding Behavior

In a delightful tweet shared by the user "bug spray cody" (@aecris_) on Twitter, a fascinating behavior in birds known as "co-lying" is highlighted. The tweet, posted at 10:52 PM on November 24, 2022, humorously remarks on this unique play behavior where birds lie on the ground together. The image accompanying the tweet showcases two Australian magpies lying side by side on the grass, with their wings partially spread out and touching.

The concept of co-lying is not limited to Australian magpies alone; it has also been noted in ravens. This behavior appears to be a form of social bonding or play among these intelligent birds. The image of the magpies, with the neatly mowed green grass as their backdrop, captures a serene moment of companionship in the animal kingdom.

The tweet has garnered a variety of comments from users, adding layers of intrigue and humor to the post. One user, captivated by the image, exclaims "C'awww," while another humorously speculates that dinosaurs might have engaged in similar behavior. Comments such as "An Intimacy of Crows" and "Australian Magpies will also sun bath. You'll think they are dead, but they will jump up and scare the s*** out of you" provide additional context and fun facts about bird behavior.

Interestingly, despite their name and some behavioral similarities, Australian Magpies are not corvids, as pointed out by a knowledgeable commenter. "It's only a murder of crows if you have two caws," jokes another user, highlighting the playful nature of the online discussion.

The community's engagement doesn't stop at light-hearted comments. Users also reflect on the broader implications of this behavior, questioning whether co-lying is a natural behavior or something learned from observing humans. "Doin nuthin but tellin each uther fibs" and "You want to know why they do this? Just be-caws" are among the comments that blend humor with curiosity.

One user shares a personal anecdote, stating, "my magpie used to lie with the dogs," illustrating the close bond these birds can form with other species. Others ponder the philosophical aspects, with comments like "Dude, did you ever look at the sky? I mean, really LOOK at the sky?" and "Oh to be a crow lying in the grass with another crow."

The endearing image and the engaging tweet have certainly struck a chord with the bird fandom, sparking joy and curiosity. Whether it's the simple pleasure of seeing two magpies enjoying a moment of co-lying or the deeper questions about animal behavior, this tweet has provided a wholesome glimpse into the playful interactions of our feathered friends.

For those interested in bird behavior, the tweet by "bug spray cody" (@aecris_) offers a charming and insightful peek into the world of Australian magpies and their delightful antics.