ID Keys: Bright yellow bill, black upperparts and tail, white belly,
bold black and white wing pattern obvious in flight
The
Yellow-billed Magpie is a close relative of the much more common
Black-billed Magpie. They
are similar in appearance, with the only differences being the obvious
yellow bill of this species, and, on average, a smaller size for
Yellow-billed Magpies. While Black-billed Magpies can be found across
much of western North America, the Yellow-billed Magpie is found only in and
around the central valley of California.
Habitat
Found in oak savannahs, riparian areas,
and other open and semi-open habitats in central California, including
natural habitats that border agricultural land.
Diet
Omnivorous, with the diet dependent upon
location and season. Food items often include insects and other
invertebrates, small vertebrates such as small snakes or rodents, eggs and
the young of other bird species, carrion, fruits, seeds, berries, and nuts.
Behavior
Uses a variety of foraging techniques,
depending upon location and available food items. Most foraging is
done by walking on the ground, however.
Nesting
The nest of a Yellow-billed Magpie is a
large dome with a side entrance, built of sticks, and usually lined with
softer plant material and mud. The nest is usually constructed in a
tree, high from the ground, and far out from the main trunk. The
female usually lays between 5 and 7 eggs, and she alone incubates them,
while the male brings her food. After the eggs hatch, both parents
help to feed the young. The young typically stay with the parents for
several weeks after fledging.
Song
Has a variety of calls, often nasal and
harsh in tone.
Migration
Considered a permanent resident
throughout its normal range.
