Pica hudsonia
adult
The Black-billed Magpie is a distinctive, mainly black and white songbird with a long tail and short, rounded wings. The sexes are similar. Adults have mainly black plumage with a contrasting white belly and white patch on the closed wing; the latter appears as a striking white wing patch in flight. In the right light, there is a bluish-green sheen to the wings and tail. Juveniles are similar to adults but have a pale (not dark) eye, shorter tail, and duller plumage that lacks any iridescence.
The Black-billed Magpie is present year-round within its range in western North America. On the ground, it walks with a characteristic swagger. Outside the breeding season it often gathers in flocks. The species’ varied diet means it is quick to exploit an opportunity, and this can include scavenging at roadkill carcasses and raiding discarded trash in urban settings.
adult
David Osborn: Black-billed Magpie.
FACT FILE
LENGTH 19–21 in (48–53.5 cm)
FOOD Omnivorous and opportunistic feeder
HABITAT Wide range of lightly wooded and open habitats
STATUS Widespread and common resident
VOICE Calls include a range of harsh, screeching calls and a chattering chek-chek-chek
