Bird of the Month June 2022: Black-billed Magpie

Our bird of the month for June 2022 is the Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia). Magpies are a member of the Corvid family, which includes Crows, Ravens and Jays. They are easily recognized by their black bodies, white sides and long black tail feathers. They also are recognized by their "yak-yak" calls.

Black-billed Magpies are found in Western North America, including Northern Nevada. Evidence of this is how all our featured photos were taken by local photographers at local birding hotspots. Magpies are omnivorous and are often found in areas with open range land, where they can find insects or berries to nibble on. Some local areas where Magpies can be found include Swan Lake IBA, Rosewood Nature Study Area and Damonte Ranch Wetlands.

​To learn more about Black-billed Magpies and hear a recording of their calls, visit the Audubon Field Guide below: 

Black-billed Magpies at Audubon.org

Black-billed Magpies were also one of the subjects John Muir Laws drew for his drawing on Toned Paper class in our art workshop. To watch his class and see him draw magpies, click on the button below: