Magpies are a common sight across Colorado. The species found throughout the state is the Black-billed Magpie, instantly recognizable by its striking black and white plumage. This bird is a permanent resident, meaning it does not migrate and can be observed year-round from the eastern plains to the mountain valleys.
The Magpie Species Found in Colorado
The sole representative of the magpie family in Colorado is the Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia). This bird belongs to the family Corvidae, which also includes crows, ravens, and jays, a group renowned for its high intelligence. The Black-billed Magpie is native to the western half of North America.
The Black-billed Magpie is one of only two magpie species found in North America, with the other being the Yellow-billed Magpie, which is restricted to California. The classification of the Black-billed Magpie was updated in 2000, separating it from the Eurasian Magpie. This species is an opportunistic omnivore, adapting easily to various environments across the state.
Identifying the Magpie
The Black-billed Magpie is a large bird, typically measuring between 17 and 24 inches long. Its defining feature is its long, wedge-shaped tail, which accounts for up to half of its total body length. The body displays a bold pattern of black and white, with the head, breast, and tail being black, contrasting sharply with white patches on the belly and shoulders.
In bright sunlight, the black feathers on the wings and tail display iridescence, shimmering with blue-green and bronze hues. The bird’s flight is distinctive, involving deep, rowing wingbeats interspersed with short glides. Its vocalizations are equally recognizable, consisting of loud, rapid-fire chattering or raspy calls that often sound like a harsh “mag-mag-mag.”
Where to Find Them in Colorado
Black-billed Magpies thrive in a variety of semi-open habitats across Colorado, from lower elevations to high mountain areas. They are common along the populated Front Range corridor, easily spotted in urban parks, backyards, and agricultural fields. They prefer open terrain that includes scattered trees or shrubs, which they use for nesting and roosting.
Magpies are frequently found near water sources, favoring riparian areas along rivers and streams that provide dense thickets and cover. While primarily a bird of the plains and foothills, their range extends into many mountain valleys. They can be observed at high altitudes, occasionally venturing up to 13,000 feet during the summer, though they typically retreat below 9,000 feet in the winter.