Magpies and crows have traditionally been regarded as bad omens, probably because they were associated with spreading the plague. As the reason for mistrusting the crow diminished, the magpie continued to be regarded with suspicion because of the enduring popularity of the catchy playground rhyme:

"One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy. Five for silver, six for gold, seven for a secret never to be told." The ditty was even adopted by the makers of the popular 70s children's television programme, 'Magpie'.