What does the Black-billed Magpie song sound like?

Pica hudsonia

Song Common

Play the real Black-billed Magpie song, the "mag-mag-mag, chrrr-chee-chee!", and learn what to listen for.

“mag-mag-mag, chrrr-chee-chee!”

What the Black-billed Magpie song sounds like

Not a sweet melody. It's a scratchy mix of chatters, squeaks, and gurgles, often given from a perch near the nest.

“mag-mag-mag, chrrr-chee-chee!”

Birders often file this one under Chattering song.

How to find the bird singing it

Look for it in open country with scattered trees—ranches, prairie edges, farmsteads, suburbs, and cottonwood-lined creeks. It likes room to forage on the ground and sturdy trees or shrubs for nesting.

Very long tail: The tail looks almost exaggerated—long, tapered, and often as eye-catching as the body. In flight it trails behind like a glossy black streamer.
Bold black-and-white pattern: From a distance, look for stark white sides and shoulder patches set against a black head, chest, back, and tail. The contrast is crisp, even at long range.
Blue-green shimmer: Up close or in bright sun, the black feathers are not plain black at all. They glow with oily blues, greens, and sometimes a hint of purple.

When you'll hear it

Spring

Pairs get noisy and territorial. This is the best time to notice bulky stick nests going up in trees and tall shrubs.

Summer

Adults forage with newly fledged young, which often look a bit scruffier and shorter-tailed. Family groups can be busy and loud.

Fall

Birds wander more openly through fields, fence lines, and farmyards. Fresh plumage keeps that black-and-white pattern looking especially sharp.

Winter

Still active and easy to find, especially near roads, ranches, feedlots, and towns. Snow makes the white patches gleam and the dark plumage stand out even more.

Don’t confuse it with

Birds whose song gets mistaken for this one. Play them back to back.

American Crow

Entirely black, with no white patches anywhere on the body.

Common Raven

Much larger, with a heavier bill and a shaggy throat.

Black-billed Magpie song FAQ

What does a Black-billed Magpie song sound like?

Not a sweet melody. It's a scratchy mix of chatters, squeaks, and gurgles, often given from a perch near the nest. Birders write it as "mag-mag-mag, chrrr-chee-chee!".

How do I tell a Black-billed Magpie from a Yellow-billed Magpie by ear?

Yellow-billed Magpie: Has a yellow bill and yellow skin around the eye, not all black in the face.; Range is mostly California's Central Valley, while Black-billed Magpie is widespread across the West and Great Plains..

When is the best time to hear the Black-billed Magpie song?

You can spot Black-billed Magpies in every season. Spring is loud and busy with nest-building, summer brings family groups, and winter often gathers birds around towns, roadsides, and livestock areas.

More Black-billed Magpie sounds

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