BIRD OF THE MONTH - Black-billed Magpie

August 2026 - Black-billed Magpie

Black-billed Magpies are familiar and entertaining birds of western North America. They sit on fenceposts and road signs or flap across rangelands, their white wing patches flashing and their very long tails trailing behind them. This large, flashy relative of jays and crows is a social creature, gathering in numbers to feed at carrion. They’re also vocal birds and keep up a regular stream of raucous or querulous calls.

Historical records of the American West indicate that Black-billed Magpies have been associates of people for a long time. Magpies frequently followed hunting parties of Plains Indians and fed on leftovers from bison kills. On their expedition, Lewis and Clark reported magpies boldly entering their tents to steal food.

Black-billed Magpie pairs share the work of building their domed nests, which vary widely in size but are typically about 30 inches high and 20 inches wide. The male gathers sticks for the exterior. The female tends to the interior, forming a mud cup and lining it with grass.

Though they like open areas and are not found in dense woods, they stay close to cover for protection from raptors. They sometimes gather in flocks and will band together to mob a raptor. Non-migratory with some regional winter movements.

Meet the new LHAS Board of Directors (July 2026-June 2027)

our diligent membership team - rex and Maria rundquist (photo on top left)

They offer members and friends a warm welcome at the Loess Hills Audubon Meetings on Thursday evenings! Join us September 3rd!

previous board of directors (2025-2026)

Left to Right: Rex Rundquist, Director 2; Bill Huser, Vice-President; Kayla Sheehan, Secretary; Tucker Lutter, Director 3; Jeri Watkins, Director 5, Phil Breed, Director 4; Kari Sandage, Director 1; Pam Miller-Smith, Treasurer; and Marla Kerr, President