National Geographic Lewis and Clark

Illustration from National Geographic's Field Guide to the Birds of North America Black-Billed Magpie

Pica pica hudsonia

Subspecies of Magpie

Large black-and-white bird with long tail and dark bill. Bill, head, breast, and underparts black, with green iridescence on wings and tail. White belly and shoulders; white primaries conspicuous as white wing patches in flight. Length: 17.5-22 in (44-56 cm).

A rapid, nasal mag? mag? mag? or yak yak yak.

Open woodlands, savannas, brush-covered country, streamside growth.

Resident from Alaska and western Canada south to east-central California and east to Great Plains.

Four live magpies were sent to President Jefferson in the shipment from Fort Mandan in April 1805.

Black-Billed Magpie

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog

Coyote

Desert Cottontail