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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Black-billed Magpie

Pica hudsonia ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: CORVIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A common and very conspicuous bird of western North America, the Black-billed Magpie is found in urban as well as rural areas. Its bold black-and-white pattern and long tail make it easy to identify

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Appearance

Crows and Jays
Crows and Jays
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large black-and-white songbird.
  • Long black tail.
  • Black head and chest.
  • White belly and shoulder.
  • White patches in wings.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but duller, with less iridescent upperparts

Range Map Help

Black-billed Magpie Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Black-billed Magpie

    Adult
    • © Allan Cruickshank/CLO

Similar Species

  • Yellow-billed Magpie nearly identical, except it has a yellow bill, yellow skin around the eye, and is slightly larger.