Black-billed Magpie (American Magpie)

A striking feather from a quintessential western bird. The Black-billed Magpie is a medium-sized bird with a very long, diamond-shaped tail and bold black-and-white plumage. In sunlight, their black feathers erupt into brilliant greens and blues due to light refraction on the barbules.

Glossy black with deep blue and teal structural iridescence visible on the outer vane; the base of the feather transitioned into a stark white (the 'magpie' contrast). The black appears sootier on the ventral side.

Tightly interlocked (pennaceous) along the main vane for structural integrity; plumulaceous (fluffy) near the base (calamus) for insulation; barbs are intact but show some wear.

Glossy and smooth on the upper surface due to structural coloration; stiff and durable texture characteristic of tail feathers used for balance.

Stark contrast between the white base and iridescent black tip; extreme length relative to width; subtle blue sheen on the black portions.

Open woodlands, meadows, riparian thickets, and sagebrush plains; frequently found in suburban areas, farms, and edges of forests.

Year-round resident of Western North America, from south-central Alaska through western Canada down to the Great Plains and the American Southwest.

Omnivorous scavenger and predator; they help control insect populations and clean up carrion, but are also known for raiding nests of other birds.

Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) feathers are nearly identical but restricted to California; Steller's Jay feathers are much bluer and shorter.

Magpies are one of the most intelligent animals on Earth, known for being one of the only non-mammals to pass the 'mirror test' (recognizing their own reflection).

Fair to Good. The feather shows 'stress bars' (faint horizontal lines) possibly from nutritional shifts during growth, and the tip is somewhat frayed, indicating it was likely a naturally molted feather.