In Nikolsky District, Vologda Governorate, there was a figure known as the tickle spirit, associated with demonological beliefs. This spirit could guard buried treasure and take the form of a magpie that tickles people. The motif of tickling also occurs with other figures, such as the weasel, the magpie, and the swallow, which is related to the weasel in folk terminology. In Kadnikovsky District, a spirit is known that takes the form of a magpie and tickles people, recalling the belief that rusalkas can tickle children to death after noon.

— Gura. Animal Symbolism in Slavic Folk Tradition, p. 242