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Magpie (Black-billed)

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Pica hudsonia
Magpie (Black-billed)

Range

They are found west of the Rocky Mountains, along the southern coast of Alaska south to Arizona and in Canada East to Ontario.

Habitat

They live in open grassland or shrubby areas and are common around homes and in parks.

Body Traits

They are large birds with a black head, chest and upper shoulders. They have a white belly and shoulder-patch. They have a very long tail that is longest in the middle and tapers shorter off to the sides. Their wings and tail though look dark-colored but in sunlight are iridescent blue-green. They have a big, black beak and dark eyes and legs. Males and females look alike (no sexual dimorphism).

Habits

They will pick insects and ticks off of hooved wildlife (deer, etc.).

Diet

They eat insects, seeds, nuts, small mammals and even dead animals (carrion).

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School subscriptions can access more than 175 downloadable unit bundles in our store for free (a value of $1,500).

District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Reproduction

Females lay up to 7 light brownish-green eggs with some spots in a very large nest of mud and sticks. They often build their nest up on telephone poles.

Magpie (Black-billed)

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