Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) 8 April 2012, Chico, Butte County, CA Photo © 2012 Joseph Morlan

This species is confined to California's Central Valley and foothills. It is California's only truly endemic bird, having never been recorded in any other state. Their population has been hit hard in recent years by West Nile Virus. Magpies are highly social, living in loose colonies. Nests are large twig structures which are domed over on the top and have a hole in the side.

The small yellow mark under the eye, is bare skin. During head molt, additional areas of yellow may be displayed, sometimes forming an almost complete eyering.

Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LX5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)
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