Not Just A Perch
While most birds flutter nervously away from large mammals, this was not the case when Judy Lehmberg discovered a magpie seated atop a bighorn sheep’s head. As she was out exploring the mountains, Judy couldn’t help but become captivated by this curious encounter and decided to film it.
In her footage, one can see the magpie hopping back and forth between a pair of bighorn sheep, pecking delicately at the fur on their heads and backs. Far from being annoyed, the sheep appear to be completely unfazed by the bird’s presence.
It’s easy to overlook the subtleties of this encounter, but upon closer inspection, Judy’s footage reveals an unexpected yet efficient partnership in the natural world.
Mutualism In Motion
What’s happening in this sighting is a classic example of mutualism, a type of symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit. From the magpie’s side, it gets an easy and nutritious meal by picking off ticks, flies, and other parasites nestled in the sheep’s thick fur.
Meanwhile, the sheep enjoy a bit of relief from the irritation and health risks caused by these pests. Over time, some sheep may even come to associate the birds with comfort and relief, making them more receptive to future visits.
This cooperative behaviour shows how nature often thrives on unlikely partnerships. Since their cooperation can increase survival or reproductive success, both species are likely to pass on those traits, allowing mutualism to continue to evolve.
What likely began as a chance interaction between two species evolved into a reliable ecological partnership.
Intelligence And Opportunism In Magpies
Magpies are one of the most intelligent bird species in the world, well-known for their problem-solving, memory, and complex social systems. The way that magpies adapt and form mutualistic relationships with many different large herbivores, including elk, cattle, and deer, shows their success across many environments.
Parasites like ticks, lice, and mites may seem like minor nuisances, but they can have serious consequences for many animals. These tiny pests feed on blood, irritate the skin, and cause persistent discomfort that can lead to restlessness and poor feeding efficiency.
In extreme cases, infestations of pests can result in infections, anemia, or hair loss that leaves the animal more vulnerable to harsh weather and predators. When the magpies pick these parasites off the bighorn sheep, they’re not just grabbing a quick snack, they’re playing an important role in helping maintain the health and comfort of the herd.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
When Nature Works Together
This sighting is a small but powerful reminder of how the natural world is woven together through the interactions of the species within it. While it may seem odd at first glance, the relationship between the magpie and sheep is a brilliant example of ecological harmony.
Both species benefit, no words are exchanged, yet each plays their role based on instinct alone. It’s a lesson in coexistence and the interconnectedness of even the most seemingly unrelated species.