One for sorrow, two for joy...

There were 4 magpies together but they wouldn't stand still!

The modern rhyme about them is

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.


Apparently there are lots of different versions dating back many years. In those times they were considered to bring bad luck.
They have very striking looks and are undoubtedly smart and have a reputation for systematically raiding other birds nests.