Black-billed Magpie (American Magpie)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Corvidae, Genus: Pica, Species: Pica hudsonia · Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) · Primary flight feather (Remex), likely P7 or P8
Species
Pica hudsonia
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (Remex), likely P7 or P8
Family
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical with a very narrow leading edge (outer vane) and a broad trailing edge (inner vane); the tip is somewhat pointed and curved.
Size
Approximately 5 to 7 inches (13-18 cm) in length, consistent with the outer primaries of a medium-sized corvid.
Rarity
Common; a widespread and abundant resident within its specific geographic range.
Color & Pattern
Strikingly bicolor: the outer vane and the distal half of the inner vane are deep iridescent black (appearing matte deep brown/black in this light), while the basal half of the inner vane is a brilliant, crisp white.
Barb Structure
Fully pennaceous and tightly interlocked for aerodynamic flight, transitioning to a small plumulaceous section near the calamus (base).
Texture & Surface
Smooth, stiff, and glossy. The black portions exhibit a structural sheen, while the white area is matte and slightly more flexible.
Description
This feather belongs to the Black-billed Magpie, a large, charismatic songbird known for its long tail and bold black-and-white plumage. In flight, these white primary patches create a 'flashing' effect against the bird's otherwise dark wings.
Key Features
Diagnostic 'magpie flash' pattern: a primary feather that is half white and half black, coupled with extreme corvid-style asymmetry.
Habitat
Open woodlands, meadows, riparian thickets, sagebrush plains, and increasingly in urban and suburban environments.
Geographic Range
Western North America, ranging from coastal Alaska down through western Canada to the Great Plains and northern New Mexico/Arizona.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'zipper' separation (emargination) between the barbs on the trailing edge, likely due to physical wear or the bird's molting process.
Interesting Facts
Magpies are among the most intelligent animals on Earth, capable of using tools and recognizing their own reflections in mirrors.
Ecological Role
Omnivorous scavenger and predator; they play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and controlling insect populations, while also acting as nest predators.
Similar Species
Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) is nearly identical but geographically separated; Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) has very similar feathers but is restricted to California.