Quick Answer
Yes, magpies do live in the United States. There are two species of magpie that can be found in North America – the Black-billed Magpie and the Yellow-billed Magpie. The Black-billed Magpie has the largest range and can be found across much of the western half of the United States from Alaska to Texas. The Yellow-billed Magpie is found exclusively in California.
What is a Magpie?
Magpies are medium to large-sized birds that belong to the crow family. They are intelligent, social birds that live in groups called “murders.” Magpies build large, domed nests and lay between 5-8 eggs per clutch. They are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods including insects, seeds, fruits, small mammals, reptiles, and eggs.
Some key facts about magpies:
- There are 29 species of magpie found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America
- Magpies are black and white in color with long tails and pointed wings
- They are highly intelligent birds known for their complex social behaviors
- Magpies can mimic sounds and some have even been recorded mimicking human speech
- Magpies build large nests up to 6 feet high in treetops using thorny branches for protection
The two magpie species found in the US are:
Black-billed Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) is the most common and widespread magpie species in North America. They have black and white plumage, long tails, and yellow eyes. Their name comes from their black beaks.
Some key facts about Black-billed Magpies:
- Range extends from Alaska to Texas and across the western half of the US
- Live in open country with scattered trees and thickets
- Omnivorous and will eat anything from carrion to insects, seeds, fruits, eggs, etc.
- Build large, domed nests high up in trees
- Very social and travel in noisy flocks
- Known for intelligence and occasional mimicry of sounds
Yellow-billed Magpie
The Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) is found exclusively in central and southern California. They have black and white plumage like the Black-billed, but with a distinctive yellow beak.
Some key facts about Yellow-billed Magpies:
- Only found in California and nowhere else in the world
- Live in oak savannahs and open woodlands
- Forage on the ground and in trees for insects, seeds, fruits, nuts, etc.
- Build large, domed nests high up in trees
- Less social than Black-billed; usually travel in small family groups
- Listed as a species of special concern by the state of California
The Yellow-billed Magpie has a much smaller and restricted range than the widespread Black-billed Magpie. It is found nowhere else in the world besides California.
Where are Magpies Found in the US?
Magpie species have different ranges across North America. Here is a breakdown of where each magpie species is primarily found within the United States:
Black-billed Magpie
- Alaska
- Western Canada
- Western US from North Dakota to Texas
- Pacific Northwest through California
- Rocky Mountains and intermountain west
- Scattered populations in New England states like Vermont and New Hampshire
Black-billed magpies occupy a wide range across Alaska, Canada, and the western half of the continental US. They live in various open and semi-open habitats from coastal regions to high alpine meadows.
Yellow-billed Magpie
- Central valley of California
- Coastal regions of central and southern California
- Oak woodlands and savannahs
The Yellow-billed magpie is endemic to California and found nowhere else. Its range is concentrated in the central valley and coastal areas where oaks are common. They do not occupy desert or high mountain habitats.
US States and Regions Where Magpies Live
This table summarizes the main US states and regions where each magpie species can be found:
| Species | States/Regions Found |
|---|---|
| Black-billed Magpie | Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, West Coast, Western Plains, Southwest, Scattered New England |
| Yellow-billed Magpie | California (Central Valley and coastal regions) |
As this table shows, the Black-billed Magpie occupies a much wider swath of western North America from Alaska to Texas, while the Yellow-billed Magpie is a California endemic.
Specific States
Here are some more specifics on the states where each magpie species occurs:
Black-billed Magpie:
- Alaska – Found across most of state except for tundra regions
- California – Throughout state except southeastern deserts
- Colorado – Throughout state, especially east of Rockies
- Idaho – Common except in southern part of state
- Montana – Found across the state in open habitats
- New Mexico – Throughout state except southeastern corner
- Nevada – Most of state except for southern deserts
- Oregon – Throughout state west of Cascades
- Texas – Panhandle and northwest Texas
- Utah – Scattered populations throughout state
- Washington – Throughout state east of Cascades
- Wyoming – Found across the state in suitable habitat
Yellow-billed Magpie:
- California – Central valley and coastal region from Sonoma County south to Santa Barbara County
The Yellow-billed Magpie is only found in California, while the Black-billed occupies a broad range throughout western states.
What Habitats do Magpies Occupy in the US?
Magpies are adaptable birds that can occupy a variety of open and semi-open habitats. Here are some of the main habitats used by magpies in the US:
Black-billed Magpie
- Riparian forests along rivers and streams
- Ponderosa pine forests and woodlands
- Aspen groves
- Sagebrush steppe
- Grasslands and prairies
- Ranchlands and pastures
- Mountain meadows
- Forest openings and edges
- Suburban parks and gardens
Black-billed magpies need scattered tall trees for nesting, but forage in open ground habitat. Almost any habitat with a mix of trees and open space can support magpies.
Yellow-billed Magpie
- Oak woodlands and savannahs
- Riparian forests along streams and rivers
- Pastures and ranchlands
- Orchards and farms
- Parks and suburban areas
Yellow-billed magpies rely heavily on oak trees for nesting and foraging habitat. They prefer open oak woodlands and avoid dense conifer forests.
When do Magpies Nest and Breed in the US?
Magpies build large, dome-shaped nests out of sticks and mud high up in trees. Here are the typical nesting seasons for US magpies:
Black-billed Magpie
- Breeding season ranges from March to July depending on latitude
- Nests built starting in late winter/early spring
- Between 5-8 eggs laid
- Incubation period lasts 16-21 days
- Young fledge the nest at 4 weeks old
Magpies in Alaska and Canada nest later in spring than those further south. The long breeding season allows for re-nesting if a first nest fails.
Yellow-billed Magpie
- Breeding season ranges from March to June
- Nest building starts in late winter
- 5-7 eggs per clutch
- Incubation lasts 16-18 days
- Young fledge the nest at about 28 days old
The Yellow-billed Magpie has a more concentrated spring breeding season tailored to California’s Mediterranean climate.
What Threats do Magpies Face in the US?
Some key threats to magpie populations in the US include:
Habitat Loss
- Logging, land clearing, and development removes nesting trees and open foraging habitat
- Draining of wetlands reduces high quality riparian magpie habitat
Pesticides
- Pesticide use reduces insect prey base
- Chemicals accumulate in birds and eggs
Control as Pests
- Persecuted for predation on songbird nests and crops
- Often shot, trapped, or poisoned as nuisance birds
Climate Change
- May affect prey populations and nesting phenology
- Increased drought may reduce habitats and food sources
Habitat loss and chemical pesticides have likely contributed to declines in parts of magpie ranges. They are also killed by farmers and ranchers who view them as a threat to crops and other bird nests. Climate change may start to impact magpie populations going forward.
Magpie Population Trends in the US
In general, magpie populations remain widespread and stable across most of the western US. However, some specific trends have been observed:
Black-billed Magpie
- Populations stable and even expanding in some regions like California and Pacific Northwest
- Declines observed in New England over last century as forests regrew
- Threatened by habitat loss in coastal Texas
- Considered a species of Least Concern by IUCN
Yellow-billed Magpie
- Restricted to California but populations are generally stable
- Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN due to limited range
- Declines could occur in future if oak woodlands are lost
While still common, the Yellow-billed Magpie has a narrow and limited range in California, making it more vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Black-billed Magpie and Yellow-billed Magpie are resident breeding species across large parts of the western United States. The Black-billed Magpie occupies a wide range of habitats across western states from Alaska to Texas, while the Yellow-billed Magpie is found only in California oak woodlands. Magpie populations remain generally stable, although the Yellow-billed Magpie’s small range makes it vulnerable to future declines. These intelligent, social birds continue to be a characteristic site across western forests, grasslands, and ranchlands. With large nests and noisy behaviors, magpies are a distinctive and iconic part of the ecosystems they inhabit.
