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Black-billed Magpie

Pica pica ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: CORVIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Black-billed Magpie Photo

© Allan Cruickshank/CLO

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

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

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

Similar Species

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