The belief that magpies steal shiny objects is a myth, according to animal behaviour researchers at Exeter University.
They carried out experiments on the birds by luring them with food and placing both shiny and non-shiny objects nearby.
In 64 tests, magpies only made contact with the shiny items twice - and often seemed wary of all the objects.
City secure FA Cup Third round place
Exeter emphatically get name into hat
Five men remanded on Exmouth murder charge
They face trial next month
Street hubs snubbed in Torquay
'The proposed signs will lead to considerable nuisance'
Giant-sized laughs at Northcott panto
Jack and the Beanstalk - REVIEW
Hundreds sign petition calling for village zebra crossing
Calls for Starcross crossing
