Black-billed Magpie

About

The Black-billed Magpie is a striking, large passerine bird known for its iridescent black and white plumage and long, graduated tail. It is a highly intelligent and social member of the crow family, often seen in open country with scattered trees and shrubs across western North America.

Size & lifespan

Length

45-60 cm (17.7-23.6 in), including a tail that can be 20-30 cm (7.9-11.8 in)

Wingspan

56-61 cm (22-24 in)

Weight

145-210 g (5.1-7.4 oz)

Lifespan

Typically 4-6 years in the wild, with records up to 15 years.

Diet

Omnivore, with a highly varied diet including insects, carrion, small mammals, nestlings, eggs, fruits, seeds, and human refuse.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have iridescent black plumage on the head, neck, back, and breast, contrasting sharply with pure white scapulars (shoulder patches) and a white belly. The wings are black with iridescent blue-green primaries and secondaries, and a prominent white patch on the inner primaries visible in flight. The long, graduated tail is black with a strong iridescent green, blue, and purple sheen.

Beak shape

Stout, conical, and entirely black.

Eye color

Dark brown

Leg color

Black

Distinguishing features

Long, graduated tail (often longer than the body), iridescent black and white plumage, and a distinct white patch on the inner primaries visible during flight.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, less iridescent black plumage, a shorter tail, and often a slightly brownish tinge to the black areas. The white patches may be less crisp.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear duller when worn before molting.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are typically slightly larger than females, but plumage is identical. Size difference is often not discernible in the field.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Look for a large, slender bird with an exceptionally long, graduated tail that often makes up half its total length. The body is robust.

2. 2

   Plumage Pattern

   Observe the stark contrast between iridescent black (head, back, breast, tail, wings) and pure white (belly, scapulars). The white shoulder patches are very distinctive.

3. 3

   Flight

   Note the undulating flight pattern and the prominent white patch on the inner primaries of the wings, visible against the black when in flight.

4. 4

   Bill Color

   Confirm the bill is entirely black. This distinguishes it from the Yellow-billed Magpie.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for their characteristic harsh, chattering calls, which are often quite loud and varied.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Grasslands, shrublands, open woodlands, riparian areas, agricultural lands, suburban parks, and urban environments.

Geographic range

Western North America, from Alaska and western Canada south through the Great Plains to northern Arizona and New Mexico, and west to the Pacific Coast in some areas (e.g., British Columbia).

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), though typically found at lower to mid-elevations.

Preferred environments

Open country with scattered trees and shrubs, particularly cottonwood groves along rivers, aspen stands, and areas with human habitation that provide food sources and nesting sites.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Highly opportunistic and adaptable. Forages on the ground, in trees, and around human settlements. Diet includes insects (grasshoppers, beetles), carrion (roadkill, animal carcasses), small mammals (rodents), eggs and nestlings of other birds, fruits, berries, seeds, and human food scraps. They are known to cache food.

Social behavior

Highly social, especially outside the breeding season, forming large communal roosts in winter. During breeding, pairs are territorial but may nest in loose colonies. Known for complex social interactions and intelligence.

Flight pattern

Distinctive undulating flight with rapid wing beats followed by short glides. When flying long distances, it can appear somewhat heavy-bodied. Often flies low to the ground.

Migration pattern

Primarily a resident species throughout its range. Some northern populations or individuals at higher elevations may undertake short-distance, altitudinal movements or irruptive movements in response to harsh winter conditions or food scarcity.

Territoriality

Breeding pairs are territorial around their nest site, defending a small area. Outside the breeding season, they are less territorial and often forage in groups.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically March to July, with peak egg-laying in April-May.

Nesting habits

Build large, domed nests made of sticks, mud, and grass, often lined with fine materials like hair or rootlets. Nests are usually placed high in deciduous trees or large shrubs, often thorny ones, providing protection. They frequently build a canopy or roof over the nest cup, with one or more entrance holes.

Clutch size

5-9 eggs, commonly 6-7.

Egg description

Typically 5-9 eggs, greenish-blue to olive-buff, heavily spotted and blotched with brown, olive, or purple.

Incubation period

16-18 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

24-30 days after hatching. Young remain dependent on parents for several weeks after fledging.

Parental care

Both parents participate in feeding the young. The female primarily incubates, while the male brings food to her and later to the nestlings.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look for movement. Their large size and long tail make them conspicuous. They often perch prominently on treetops, utility poles, or fences.
2. Listen for calls. Their noisy, chattering calls often give away their presence before they are seen.
3. Observe social behavior. Outside the breeding season, look for groups foraging together or congregating at communal roosts, especially at dawn and dusk.
4. Check for food sources. Magpies are attracted to carrion, bird feeders (especially those with suet or peanuts), and areas where insects are abundant.

Similar species

Quick facts

Family:

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, Magpies)

Diet:

Omnivore

Habitat:

Open country with scattered trees and shrubs

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Distinguishing Feature:

Long, graduated tail and iridescent black and white plumage

Fun facts

• Black-billed Magpies are among the few non-mammalian species known to recognize themselves in a mirror, indicating a high level of self-awareness.
• They are notorious for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, often observed using tools or engaging in complex social interactions.
• Magpies are known to 'cache' food, burying or hiding excess food items for later consumption, demonstrating foresight.
• Their large, domed nests are among the most elaborate of North American passerines, often taking weeks to build and providing excellent protection from predators and weather.
• Despite their reputation for being 'thieves' of shiny objects, scientific studies have shown this behavior is not as prevalent as commonly believed.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Corvidae

Genus

Pica

Species

Pica hudsonia

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