"A magpie builds a nest on the tree and invites a dove to live there. This girl is ready to marry and will be welcomed by a hundred chariots."

This passage from the Book of Ballads in the Book of Songs reflects how in ancient legends, magpies can announce good news. In this case, the magpie's building of a nest is used to describe that a residence is ready and awaiting the arrival of the bride.

In Haizhu Wetland, magpies sing to welcome the spring season every year. Among the passerine corvids that magpies belong to, many choose to settle in the wetland. In addition, Haizhu Wetland is home to red-billed blue magpies, which symbolize messengers in Chinese myths and legends.

A red-billed blue magpie in Haizhu Wetland. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhzfb]