Magpie (Black-billed Magpie, Eurasian Magpie)

The Black-billed Magpie is an unmistakable, strikingly patterned bird with a very long wedge-shaped tail, glossy black head, breast, and back, contrasting bright white belly and wing patches, and iridescent blue-green wings and tail. They are highly intelligent, vocal, and gregarious members of the corvid family.

Striking bicolored pattern featuring a deep, glossy black upper section with subtle blue-green iridescence, sharply contrasting with a pristine white lower section and base. The rachis transitions from dark black in the upper vane to crisp white in the lower white section.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous vane on the upper portion transitioning to a plumulaceous base near the calamus, completely intact and healthy condition.

Smooth, stiff, and glossy with a noticeable sheen on the black portions, demonstrating high structural integrity and water-repellent qualities.

Distinctive sharp demarcation between glossy black and pure white areas on a stiff, curved primary flight feather with subtle blue-green iridescence.

Open country with scattered trees, brush edges, agricultural fields, riparian areas, scrublands, and suburban environments.

Widespread across the western half of North America, stretching from Alaska down through the Rocky Mountain states and Great Plains, year-round resident.

Act as important omnivores, scavengers, and seed dispersers in their ecosystem, helping control insect populations and clean up carrion.

Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli), though restricted to California and features a bright yellow bill and facial skin, with very similar wing feather patterns.

Magpies are among the few non-mammal species known to recognize themselves in a mirror test. They build large, domed stick nests with multiple side entrances.

Fresh condition with no visible fraying, sun bleaching, or structural damage. Excellent grade.