The black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia) is a fascinating bird found across much of western North America. Known for their intelligence, adaptability, and striking black-and-white plumage, magpies have long captured the human imagination. While sometimes considered pests, magpies are charismatic, social birds that have much to offer when we take the time to learn about them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting facts and characteristics of the black-billed magpie. From its appearance and vocalizations to its nest-building skills, impressive memory, and notorious thievery, there’s a lot to appreciate about this underrated member of the corvid family. Read on to discover some entertaining and surprising magpie trivia!
Physical characteristics
Magpies are medium-sized birds, measuring 16-24 inches from beak to tail. Their most distinctive features are the iridescent green-blue feathers on their wings and long, graduated black-and-white tail. Other physical traits include:
- Black “mask” and bib on an otherwise white chest and face
- Short, rounded wings ideal for maneuverability
- Sturdy bill adapted for omnivorous diet
- Strong feet and legs for walking/hopping on the ground
Male and female magpies look nearly identical, though males may be slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but with less vivid plumage the first year.
Range and habitat
Black-billed magpies live in a broad north-south swath of western North America, from coastal and central Alaska southward into California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and western Texas. Within this range they occupy varied habitats including:
- Riparian woodlands
- Pine-juniper forests
- Sagebrush plains
- Agricultural areas
- Suburban parks and yards
Magpies adapt readily to human activity and they’ve expanded their range along cleared forest edges. However, they avoid dense, wet coniferous forests.
Vocalizations
Black-billed magpies have a wide repertoire of vocalizations used to communicate within their social groups. Some of their most distinctive calls include:
- Raucous chatter: Magpies engage in almost constant noisy chattering, comprising twangs, yaps, and squawks.
- Rattling call: Both males and females perform a quick rattling call that sounds mechanical, like a hand crank or old film projector.
- Soft warble: A mellow, warbling “queg-queg” uttered by males when approaching a nest.
- Alarm calls: Harsh, short barks or repeated “pit” notes signal danger or threats.
In addition to vocalizing, magpies communicate using body language and feather posturing. Their array of chatter serves both territorial and social functions.
Diet
As omnivores, black-billed magpies eat a highly varied diet including:
- Insects and other invertebrates
- Seeds and grains
- Fruits and berries
- Rodents and small mammals
- Bird eggs and nestlings
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Carrion and garbage
- Pet food
Foraging mostly happens on the ground, where magpies walk and hop about looking for prey. They also forage in trees and bushes. Magpies use their stout beak to probe into the ground and expose food. Food items are held with the feet while eating.
Intelligence and memory
Magpies are considered one of the most intelligent bird species. Some of their brainpower is revealed through the following behaviors:
- Capacity for tool use and problem solving to obtain food
- Ability to recognize themselves in a mirror
- Understanding of object permanence (items still exist even when hidden)
- Large vocabularies of different call types
- Associating calls and facial expressions with specific predators
Studies also show magpies have impressive non-visual memories. They can remember where caches of food are located even months later. Magpies also form social memories and respond differently to people depending on how they were treated in previous encounters.
Reproduction and nesting
Magpies don’t reach reproductive maturity until 2 years old. They form breeding pairs during the spring and remain together in lifelong monogamous bonds. Nests are built high up in trees, well-hidden among dense branches.
Nest Facts
- Made of thorny twigs, mud, grass, feathers, paper, hair, and other materials
- Among the largest bird nests, up to 6 ft high and 3 ft wide
- Entrance on the side or bottom
- Used year after year if undisturbed
- May include a roof or “porch” area
The female lays 6-7 greenish-blue eggs which hatch after 18-21 days. Both parents feed the young, which leave the nest at 25-30 days old. Magpies may raise two broods per year.
Behavior and social structure
Magpies have complex social structures centered around communal roosts occupied year-round. Key facts about their behavior and societies include:
- Form loose flocks outside breeding season
- Roosts are gathering places for overnight communal sleeping
- Each bird occupies a specific roosting spot night after night
- Droppings accumulate heavily under roost trees
- Morning “songfests” of loud chorusing precedes dispersal from roosts
- Juveniles remain with parents until next breeding season
- Sometimes join mixed flocks with jays or crows
Magpies establish social hierarchies with one dominant pair and other less assertive birds. Much of their chatter and displays help maintain these complex group dynamics.
Adaptability
Black-billed magpies are highly adaptable and amenable to human disturbances. This is reflected in their ability to thrive in habitats ranging from remote boreal forests to urban parks and backyards. Key signs of their adaptability include:
- Opportunistic diet takes advantage of many food sources
- Readily incorporate manmade items into nests
- Occupy marginal habitat patches and edges
- Learn to avoid predators and dangerous situations
- Have expanded population and range alongside agriculture/development
This species is not currently considered threatened. Their numbers even increased across North America up until the 1950s. Magpies continue to adjust well to habitat changes in their range.
Thievery and controversy
Magpies are notorious thieves. Their kleptoparasitic ways cause them to steal and cache anything that catches their eye, including:
- Shiny objects like keys or jewelry
- Brightly colored items
- Food meant for pets or livestock
- Easter eggs and garden fruits/vegetables
- Golf balls at driving ranges
Their pilfering annoys some people. However, it’s simply an innate corvid behavior. Magpies also get blamed for predating eggs/nestlings. While possible, limited research shows minimal nest impacts except locally. Any control programs have limited success given magpies’ intelligence. These minor downsides must be weighed with their ecological benefits, like seed dispersal and rodent control.
Conclusion
Black-billed magpies are far more than feathered thieves! They are remarkable birds worthy of respect and appreciation. Their playful nature, communal societies, adaptability to change, and intellectual abilities give magpies unique personalities. Next time you encounter one, take a moment to admire its glossy plumage and consider the interesting behaviors behind its noisy chatter. Magpies keep their habitats lively, so we should make space for them in landscapes both rural and urban.
