Black-billed Magpie
A conspicuous western corvid that belongs in the wider landscape and should be observed, not encouraged with household food.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look on fence posts, large trees, stream corridors, fields, small towns, and open brushy country near protective cover.
Food
A broad omnivorous diet of fruit, grain, insects, carrion, small animals, and occasionally eggs or nestlings.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Open woodland, riparian thickets, sagebrush plains, grassland edges, farm country, and large yards close to cover.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Black-billed Magpie habitat
Open woodland, riparian thickets, sagebrush plains, grassland edges, farm country, and large yards close to cover.
Black-billed Magpie diet and food
A broad omnivorous diet of fruit, grain, insects, carrion, small animals, and occasionally eggs or nestlings.
Do not use food to attract magpies; secure trash, pet food, compost, and fallen suet to avoid concentrating a nest predator near songbirds.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
A broad omnivorous diet of fruit, grain, insects, carrion, small animals, and occasionally eggs or nestlings.
Cover & plants
Open woodland, riparian thickets, sagebrush plains, grassland edges, farm country, and large yards close to cover.
Black-billed Magpie nesting and breeding
Pairs build a large domed stick nest with a mud cup in trees, shrubs, poles, or occasionally structures.
Black-billed Magpie behavior and where to look
Social and vocal, often foraging on the ground or caching temporary food supplies before moving on.
Photography
Use a distant perch or field edge and let a bird’s natural calls and flight provide the image.
What to avoid
Do not create feeding hotspots near nests of smaller birds or leave animal food outdoors.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
