Crows and jays (Corvidae)
Black-billed Magpie
Pica hudsonia. Omnivore — insects, carrion, seeds and small animals.
Crows and jays (Corvidae)Black-billed MagpiePica hudsonia
- Scientific name
- Pica hudsonia
- Length
- 17.7–23.6 in
- Weight
- 5.2–7.4 oz
- Nest
- Huge domed stick nest in trees or shrubs
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 5–8 eggs
- Incubation
- 16–21 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Bold black-and-white body
- Very long, iridescent green tail
- Black bill
Voice
Rapid, harsh 'mag-mag-mag'.
Diet and feeding
Omnivore — insects, carrion, seeds and small animals.
Black-billed Magpies by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Alberta | Year-round resident | May–June |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Kansas | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Manitoba | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Montana | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Nebraska | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | April–June |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | April–June |
| North Dakota | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Saskatchewan | Year-round resident | May–June |
| South Dakota | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Utah | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Washington | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Yukon | Year-round resident | May–June |
Frequently asked
What do magpies eat?
Omnivore — insects, carrion, seeds and small animals. At feeders: suet, peanuts, cracked corn.
How big is a Black-billed Magpie?
17.7–23.6 in long and 5.2–7.4 oz.
Do magpies use birdhouses?
No. Huge domed stick nest in trees or shrubs.
Sources
- Black-billed Magpie — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-billed Magpie life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-billed Magpie — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.