BIRDS: PASSERINES: JAYS AND CROWS

Black-billed Magpie, Pica hudsonia

Family Corvidae (Jays and Crows)

Size: 19"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Riparian areas, open woodlands, pastures, rural areas

The black-billed magpie is heavy and broad-winged, with an extremely long, graduated tail. It has striking pied plumage, being black on the head, upper breast, and back, dark, iridescent green-blue on the wings and tail, and crisp white on the scapulars and belly. Its legs are dark and stout, and the bill is thick at the base. Juvenile birds have a much shorter tail. Magpies travel in small groups and are opportunistic feeders, eating insects, nuts, eggs, or carrion. The voice is a whining, questioning mag? or a harsh wok-wok. The adult is illustrated.