About Pica nuttalli (Audubon, 1837)
This species is a medium-sized corvid, measuring 43 to 54 centimeters (17 to 21 inches) in total length. On average, it is slightly smaller than the black-billed magpie, which measures 45 to 60 centimeters (18 to 24 inches) long, but their size ranges overlap. Like other magpies in the genus Pica, it has distinct black-and-white pied plumage: its head, back, wings, and tail are black, while its belly and shoulders are white. In good lighting, the black feathers especially on the tail and wings show an iridescent gloss, reflecting green, blue, purple, or bronze depending on the angle of light. The inner vane of its primary wing feathers is white; this marking cannot be seen when the bird is perched, but appears as a white patch on the outer wing during flight. It has a bright yellow bill, plus a small patch of bare yellow skin around each eye. Its eyes and legs are black. Males and females have identical plumage, but males average slightly heavier than females: male weights range from 151 to 189 grams, while female weights range from 126 to 158 grams. Its calls are similar to those of the black-billed magpie, but are marginally higher in pitch. These are omnivorous birds that forage on the ground. They mainly eat insects, particularly grasshoppers, but also feed on carrion, acorns, and fruit during fall and winter. They are drawn to recently butchered animal carcasses on farms and ranches. They will also search through garbage at landfills and dumping sites, and sometimes hunt small rodents.
