Viral Video Shows Magpie Using Pebbles to Drink Water, Just Like the Thirsty Crow Story
Most of us grew up hearing the story of the thirsty crow who cleverly dropped pebbles into a pot of water to raise the level and quench its thirst. For years, it felt like just a children’s story to teach problem-solving and quick thinking. But now, a real-life video has brought that old tale to life.
In the clip, a magpie, not a crow, shows almost the same intelligence. The bird is seen dropping small pebbles into a plastic bottle filled with water. Each stone raises the water level slightly, allowing the magpie to take sips in between. The bird continues patiently until it has had enough to drink.
Watch the video here:
Here’s the proof of that story we read in that book as kids. pic.twitter.com/dJtXkcLuln
— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) August 22, 2025
The video has gone viral, leaving many viewers amazed at how closely it mirrors the classic story. Scientists have often noted that crows, ravens, and magpies belong to the same bird family, known for their remarkable problem-solving skills. These birds have even been observed playing games and cracking puzzles designed for humans.
This clever magpie’s act is yet another reminder of how nature equips different creatures with unique abilities to adapt and survive. Sometimes, the stories we grew up with turn out to be closer to reality than we imagined.

