Black-billed Magpie (also known as the American Magpie)

This feather belongs to the Black-billed Magpie, a large, social corvid known for its striking black-and-white plumage and exceptionally long tail. In flight, the white patches on the primary feathers create a flashing effect against the iridescent black wings. The bird is roughly 19-24 inches long including the tail and is famous for its intelligence and raucous vocalizations.

Distinctive bi-colored pattern featuring a stark white inner vane and tip transitioning into a deep black or dark iridescent blue-black on the outer vane and base. This 'flashing' white is a diagnostic field mark of the species in flight.

Densely pennaceous and tightly interlocked with hooklets for flight stability; the base shows some plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.

Smooth and stiff to the touch; the dark areas may show a subtle oily gloss or structural iridescence (blue/green) depending on the light angle, while the white area is matte.

The most diagnostic feature is the 'magpie flash'—the sharp contrast between the white inner vane/tip and the black outer vane on a primary flight feather.

Open woodlands, meadows, riparian thickets, sagebrush plains, and increasingly common in suburban parks and agricultural areas.

Resident across much of western North America, from coastal Alaska south to central California and east to the Great Plains (Manitoba to Kansas).

They are omnivorous scavengers and predators that control insect populations and clean up carrion. As bold corvids, they also act as 'sentinels,' alerting other animals to the presence of predators.

Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) feathers are virtually identical but are restricted to California; the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) is also similar but geographically separated.

Black-billed Magpies are one of the few North American birds that build domed nests. They are remarkably intelligent and have been known to engage in 'funerals' where they gather around a deceased member of their species.

The feather appears to be in good condition with minor fraying near the base. The vane is intact, suggesting it was likely molted naturally rather than damaged by a predator.