How to identify the Black-billed Magpie

To correctly identify the Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

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)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Stout, conical, and entirely black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

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

Key field marks

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bill Color. Confirm the bill is entirely black. This distinguishes it from the Yellow-billed Magpie.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their characteristic harsh, chattering calls, which are often quite loud and varied.

Explore the Black-billed Magpie