Thieving Magpie

Thieving Magpie was originally printed in the Urza's Legacy expansion in 1999 and reappeared in the Seventh Edition core set in 2001. As a core set printing, it served as a fundamental example of blue's mechanical identity, combining a flying creature with a card-drawing trigger that rewarded aggressive play. This iteration featured the updated card frame introduced during the shift to Seventh Edition, which sought to improve legibility and standardize the aesthetics of the game.

The artwork for this version was produced by Christopher Rush, one of the most prolific and iconic illustrators in the early history of Magic: The Gathering. Rush's design leans into the folkloric reputation of the magpie, depicting the bird as a clever, opportunistic creature. The card was well-received by players of the era for its consistent utility in limited formats and its simple, effective design, cementing its status as a staple blue common that bridged the gap between early experimental sets and the modern era of the game.