Black-billed magpie

Pica hudsonia

The black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia), also known as the American magpie, is a bird in the corvid family found in the western half of North America.

Family: Corvidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern

About the Black-billed magpie

The black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia), also known as the American magpie, is a bird in the corvid family found in the western half of North America. It is black and white, with the wings and tail showing black areas and iridescent hints of blue and blue-green. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Pica pica (Eurasian magpie), but was separated as a species in its own in 2000 based on genetic studies. This species prefers generally open habitats with clumps of trees, but can also commonly be found in farmlands and suburban areas. Historically associated with bison herds, it now lands on the backs of cattle to glean ticks and insects from them. Black-billed magpies commonly follow large predators, such as wolves, to scavenge from their kills. The species also walks or hops on the grou

Fun Facts About Black-billed magpie

Incubation, by the female only, starts when the clutch is complete, and lasts 16–21 days.
This species prefers generally open habitats with clumps of trees, but can also commonly be found in farmlands and suburban areas.
Today, they are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, and they are commonly seen throughout their range.
The nestling period is three to four weeks.
The black-billed magpie builds domed nests which are made up of twigs and are located near the top of trees, usually housing six to seven eggs.

Conservation Status

The Black-billed magpie is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	passerines
Family	Corvidae
Genus	Pica
Species	Pica hudsonia

Range & Habitat