A staple of the American West, this large bird is hard to miss with its black head and back, white breast, long tail, and iridescent feathers. Magpies, members of the corvid family, along with crows, jays, and ravens, can be found at all elevations in urban and rural habitats, often strutting through open areas in search of food. The black-billed magpie also does not discriminate when it comes to feeding, consuming everything from grasshoppers and beetles to carrion and small rodents.
Good bird fact: Black-billed magpies build huge round nests that can reach up to a meter in diameter and look like large bushel baskets. On each side they create entry and exit holes.
Listen to the call of the black-billed magpie below and learn more about its range and behavior here.
