In flight, the magpie has short, rounded wings that show large white panels on the "hand". It has a fluttering flight when on a straight course, with occasional sweeping glides. The magpie's flight is relatively slow, with steady, rowing wingbeats, but the birds are easily able to quickly change direction in flight. When on the ground, it makes strong bounds while the tail jerks up and down. The magpie carries a confident, almost arrogant air about it. ^{nationalgeographic.com}+1 ^{2 1}