The yellow-billed magpie, also known as the California magpie, is a large corvid that inhabits California's Central Valley and the adjacent chaparral foothills and mountains. Apart from its having a yellow bill and a yellow streak around the eye, it is virtually identical to the black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia) found in much of the rest of North America. The scientific name commemorates the English naturalist Thomas Nuttall.
Region
California
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in California’s Central Valley and adjacent Sierra Nevada foothills and Coast Ranges. It favors open country with scattered large trees, especially valley oak and sycamore groves, as well as pastures, orchards, and riparian corridors. It avoids dense conifer forests, true desert, and high alpine zones. Nests are typically placed high in tall trees near open foraging areas and water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to California, the yellow-billed magpie is the only magpie restricted entirely to one U.S. state. It is closely associated with oak savannas and agricultural landscapes and is easily recognized by its bright yellow bill and yellow bare skin around the eye. Populations declined sharply with the arrival of West Nile virus in the early 2000s but have shown some recovery. The species was named to honor the English naturalist Thomas Nuttall.
With black-tailed deer in California
Temperament
social and bold
Flight Pattern
steady, direct flight with shallow wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Often forms flocks outside the breeding season and uses communal roosts. Pairs are typically monogamous and build large, domed stick nests high in trees. They readily mob predators and show complex social interactions characteristic of corvids.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes sharp chatters, rattles, and nasal yakking calls. Calls are loud and carry over open country, with softer chatter used at nests and roosts.
