Black-billed Magpie (American Magpie)

This feather belongs to the Black-billed Magpie, a large, striking corvid known for its long tail and bold black-and-white plumage. In flight, these white primary patches create a 'flashing' effect. The bird is approximately 19-22 inches long, including the tail, and exhibits a graceful but steady flapping flight style.

Deep iridescent black-to-blue-green on the outer vane and distal portion of the inner vane, contrasting sharply with a large, brilliant white patch on the inner vane. The iridescence appears blue-violet in the current lighting. The ventral (under) side is notably more matte and grayish-black.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure throughout the main vane for flight aerodynamics. The base shows some loose, grayish plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation. The distal white patch consists of dense, interlocking barbs.

Smooth and stiff. The iridescent sections have a glossy, structural sheen produced by light refracting off the barbule layers. The white patch is matte. The leading edge is rigid to withstand wind pressure.

Large white 'window' on the inner vane of a dark, iridescent primary feather; sharp contrast between white and black; blue-green iridescence on the outer vane tip.

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

Western half of North America, ranging from coastal Alaska and western Canada down through the Great Plains to northern Arizona and New Mexico.

Omnivorous scavenger and predator; they help control insect populations and clean up carrion. They also serve as an alarm system for other wildlife by mobbing predators like hawks and owls.

Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) feathers are virtually identical but the species is restricted to California. Common Raven feathers are larger and lack the white primary window.

Magpies are among the most intelligent animals on Earth; the Black-billed Magpie is one of the few North American birds that builds a domed nest. They are also known for 'funerals' where they gather around a deceased member of their species.

Fair to Good. There is significant 'zipper' separation (separation of barbs) along the trailing edge and near the tip. The base is taped to a card, making the calamus (quill) mostly obscured, but the vane remains vibrant.