TRAVEL:Paul Theroux has a magpie-like mind that jumps from subject to subject.

One was a dainty little magpie; the other a soft-eyed turtle dove.

It was a magpie, which actually had no business being in town.

For the magpie is the cleverest bird of all at building nests.

Unlike the rook, crow and magpie mentioned the woodpigeon is good eating.