Black-billed Magpie

23-30 cm (9-12") Common. Western North America. Open coniferous forests, range lands, streamsides.

Unmistakable large black and white bird with a long black tapered tail. Tail is longer than the body. White patches in wings flash in flight. Wings and tail may show a greenish irridescence.

This conspicuous and gregarious bird is frequently seen along highways.

Song: harsh rapid "guey guey guey guey".

Videos

Images

Credit: Eugene Beckes

Credit: Chuck Roberts

Credit: Jonathan Fox

Credit: Chuck Roberts

Distribution Maps

Black-billed Magpie distribution map

Black-billed Magpie winter distribution map