Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)

OTHER NAMES: American Magpie
Latin Etymology: Pica ("magpie") hudsonia (for explorer Henry Hudson)

Adult Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) in Alberta, Canada - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 141-216g  /  Length: 45-60cm  /  Wingspan: 56-61cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A close relation of the Eurasian Magpie, it was only recognised as a separate species in 2000 due mtDNA combined with a smaller size and behavioral and vocal differences from their Eurasian counterpart. Unlike the Eurasian Magpie, it doesn't have the same massive diversity of range, being primarily being limited to the Plains and the Rockies.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes 
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Pica 
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA - A common species in South Western provinces
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Common in Alberta

UNITED STATES - Common in Alaska
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: One of the most common species seen in North Dakota and Montanna 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto