Crows and jays (Corvidae)
Yellow-billed Magpie
Pica nuttalli. Insects, carrion, acorns and fruit.
Crows and jays (Corvidae)Yellow-billed MagpiePica nuttalli
- Scientific name
- Pica nuttalli
- Length
- 16.5–23.6 in
- Weight
- 5–6 oz
- Nest
- Large domed stick nest high in a valley oak
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 5–7 eggs
- Incubation
- 16–18 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Black-and-white with a long iridescent tail
- Bright yellow bill and bare yellow eye patch
- White shoulder patches
Voice
Rising, whining 'maag-maag' calls.
Diet and feeding
Insects, carrion, acorns and fruit.
What do yellow-billed magpies eat? · Best feeder for yellow-billed magpies
Yellow-billed Magpies by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| California | Year-round resident | February–May |
Frequently asked
What do yellow-billed magpies eat?
Insects, carrion, acorns and fruit. At feeders: peanuts in the shell, suet scraps.
How big is a Yellow-billed Magpie?
16.5–23.6 in long and 5–6 oz.
Do yellow-billed magpies use birdhouses?
No. Large domed stick nest high in a valley oak.
Sources
- Yellow-billed Magpie — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-billed Magpie life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-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.