Birds diurnal

Black-billed Magpie

Pica hudsonia

With their stunning iridescent tails and bold 'tuxedo' plumage, Black-billed Magpies are the clever acrobats of the American West. Highly social and endlessly curious, they bring a lively spark of intelligence to any backyard camera.

1 Sightings

1 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 45–60 cm (18–24 in); Wingspan: 56–61 cm (22–24 in); Weight: 145–210 g (5.1–7.4 oz)

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Colors

Striking black and white plumage; head, back, and breast are black; belly and shoulder patches are white. Wings and tail show brilliant iridescent blue and blue-green.

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Key Features

Extremely long, diamond-shaped tail comprising half the bird's length
Large white patches on the primary wing feathers visible in flight
Bold 'tuxedo' appearance with white belly and shoulders
Thick, powerful black bill and dark eyes

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Opportunistic omnivores that eat insects, carrion, small rodents, eggs, seeds, berries, and suet.

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Habitat Open woodlands, meadows, and riparian thickets, but highly adapted to suburban yards and farmsteads.

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Behavior

Black-billed Magpies are the charismatic intellectuals of the bird world. As members of the corvid family—sharing DNA with crows and jays—they possess remarkable problem-solving skills and a complex social structure. They are frequently seen in family groups, communicating with a wide range of raucous 'yak-yak-yak' calls and subtle social displays. You might notice them following larger predators or even domestic pets, hoping to scavenge a leftover meal.

In a backyard setting, their curiosity is their most defining trait. They are known to investigate new objects, recognize individual human faces, and even engage in 'caching,' where they hide excess food in small holes in the ground for later retrieval. While they can be assertive at feeders, their interactions are a masterclass in avian social dynamics, often involving playful chasing or coordinated foraging.

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Camera Tips

To capture the true beauty of a Black-billed Magpie, lighting is everything. Their black feathers aren't just black—they are highly iridescent. Position your camera facing north or south so the morning or evening sun hits the bird from the side; this 45-degree lighting angle will make the blue and green highlights on their tail and wings pop on video. Place your camera at a height of about 3 to 4 feet, ideally pointed toward a flat landing surface like a fence rail, a large stump, or a sturdy branch where they can scout the area before hopping down to feed.

Magpies are 'neophobic,' meaning they are naturally suspicious of new objects like a trail camera. To get the best close-ups, leave your camera housing in place for several days before turning it on so they grow accustomed to its presence. Avoid using bright silver mounts; matte or camouflaged finishes work best. Because they are ground-foragers, a second camera placed just 12 inches off the ground near a feeding station can capture incredible 'eye-level' footage of their walking gait and caching behavior.

For baiting, magpies are highly motivated by high-protein rewards. Unsalted peanuts in the shell are a fan favorite because they force the bird to manipulate the nut, giving you more time to record. Suet blocks or even a small amount of dry kibble can also draw them in. In the heat of summer or the dead of winter, a consistent water source like a birdbath is the ultimate magpie magnet. They are vigorous bathers, and the sight of a magpie splashing its long tail feathers in slow-motion video is a highlight for any backyard observer.

Sightings on EverydayEarth

Osprey Nest - Charlo Montana

Apr 1, 2026

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Black-billed Magpie.

Yellow-billed Magpie

Identical in shape but features a bright yellow bill and is found exclusively in California's Central Valley and coastal mountains.

American Crow

Solid black without the white belly or wing patches, and lacks the magpie's exceptionally long, iridescent tail.

Steller's Jay

Another blue-toned corvid, but much smaller with a prominent head crest and no white 'tuxedo' markings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black-billed Magpies are strictly diurnal, with peak activity occurring in the first three hours after sunrise and again in the late afternoon. They spend the middle of the day foraging or resting in sheltered trees.

You can attract them by providing open space, a reliable water source, and high-protein foods like suet, peanuts, or sunflower seeds. They are also attracted to shiny objects and may investigate new items in your yard out of curiosity.

They are omnivores with a diverse diet. They eat everything from grasshoppers and beetles to berries, grain, and carrion. In residential areas, they frequently visit feeders for suet and nuts.

Yes, they are very common in suburban environments across the Western United States and Canada. They have adapted well to human presence and often nest in the tall trees found in residential parks and yards.

The most obvious difference is the bill color; Black-billed Magpies have a black bill, while the Yellow-billed variety (found only in California) has a bright yellow bill and yellow skin around the eyes.

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