TaxonHub
Black-billed Magpie

Black-billed Magpie

Pica hudsonia

A large, distinctive black and white passerine bird native to western North America, known for its intelligent behavior and complex social interactions.

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Black-billed Magpie
Black-billed Magpie
Black-billed Magpie
Black-billed Magpie
Black-billed Magpie
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Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural areas, urban and suburban landscapes from Alaska to central Mexico, preferring areas with scattered trees and open terrain

Ecological Role

Key seed disperser, scavenger, and predator that helps maintain ecosystem balance; plays crucial role in controlling insect populations and recycling nutrients

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Glossy black plumage with iridescent blue-green wing and tail feathers, white shoulder patches and belly
  • LIMBS WINGS Strong black legs, long wings enabling agile flight, capable of complex aerial maneuvers
  • HEAD SENSORY Sharp, pointed black beak, keen eyesight, highly developed cognitive capabilities characteristic of corvid family
  • BODY STRUCTURE Medium-large corvid, body length 45-60 cm, wingspan 56-64 cm, weight 150-250 g, with long graduated tail and striking black and white plumage
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Z3lvs
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Related Species in Corvidae