black billed magpie

1. Bird Name
The subject of our bird profile is the Black-Billed Magpie, scientifically known as Pica hudsonia.

2. Appearance
The Black-Billed Magpie is a striking bird with dramatic coloration. Its plumage is generally black and white, featuring a shiny blue or green iridescent sheen on its back, wings, and long, wedge-shaped tail. Its name derives from its remarkable bill, which is entirely black. It has a dark head and breast, and white on the shoulders and belly. The bird has a strong, pointed beak and striking white eyes. There are no significant differences in color or markings between males and females, making them physically monomorphic.

3. Size
On average, the Black-Billed Magpie measures around 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) in length, with approximately half of this measurement attributed to its tail. Its wingspan typically averages around 56-61 cm (22-24 inches). The bird has a modest weight range, tipping the scales at anywhere from 145-210 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Black-Billed Magpie is a bird of the western North American continent. It’s primarily found across the United States’ western and central regions and extends north into many Canadian provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan. They are comfortable in various habitats, showing a preference for open and semi-open landscapes, including farmlands, suburban areas, and grasslands with scattered trees for nesting.

5. Interesting Facts
Black-Billed Magpies display extremely curious and intelligent behavior, often sailing down to investigate new occurrences in their environment, including predators. Another interesting fact is that this bird species has one of the most complex nests in the bird world, consisting of a domed structure with side entrances. Black-Billed Magpies also hold a significant cultural role in Native American folklore, often portrayed as an intelligent trickster.

6. Diet
These birds are omnivorous scavengers known for their diverse diet. This includes invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and millipedes, as well as small mammals, eggs, and carrion. They also consume seeds, berries, and nuts, making them excellent pest controllers in their habitats.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Black-Billed Magpies are known to be gregarious and usually move in flocks. They have reputation for being opportunistic thieves, often stealing shiny objects. The call of Black-Billed Magpies can be a variety of cackling and chattering sounds, and they are known to mimic the calls of other bird species.

8. Conservation Status
Presently, the Black-Billed Magpie is considered of “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, indicating that the species does not currently face any major conservation threats.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, the Black-Billed Magpie has an average lifespan of around 4 to 6 years, though some individuals have been reported to live for up to 15 years in captivity.

10. Additional Notes
In some Native American languages, the Black-Billed Magpie has various names. In Lakota, it’s known as “Wichíyena,” and in Blackfoot, it’s called “Saaksima’taako.” Their interaction with humans is a mix of intrigue and frustration due to their inquisitive nature and their tendency to pilfer objects. As vital scavengers, they play an important role in their ecosystem, helping control insect populations and dispose of carrion.