Aww Antheia, that's such a toughie! What a sweet girl it sounds like you have!

I'd also err on the side of truth...but oh yeah it'd be easier to just say 'yep had a cuppa tea with the magpie yesterday, he's fine, dyed his feathers pink, and he says to say hi'. I'd much rather do that!

Like I said though...I wonder if you teach children gently about bad stuff from a young age, it won't come as so much of a shock later in life. Like, if a loved one gets sick (heaven forbid!!), you can relate it back to the magpie - 'remember that magpie that got all sick, and the dr's couldn't fix it?' That kind of thing.

I guess it's hard to tell her one way or another, if you're unsure what happened to it. Are you pretty sure it's dead? Maybe even if you feel dumb about it, call the shelter and see what happened? I know I'd be so relieved to be able to say it was fine...the optimist in me would be holding out hope.

Hugs anyway, it's a toughie, but I reckon there are some great lessons to be learned if you do have to break bad news to her - she can learn how nature works, how to deal with grief (you might draw a picture or just chat about it), and most importantly - she can learn that mum is always there to love and help her when bad stuff happens.
All the best, whatever you decide.