05/18/2026
Meet our first Bird of the Month
This distinctive local favorite appears proudly on our logo.
Yellow-billed Magpie
The Yellow-billed Magpie, our chapterās symbol, is found only in California, making it a true emblem of our regionās natural heritage. With its bold black-and-white plumage, long iridescent tail, and unmistakable yellow bill, this highly intelligent and social bird is a familiar presence in open landscapes with scattered trees. Residents of the Fresno area may spot Yellow-billed Magpies in oak woodlands, agricultural edges, and foothill habitats in Madera County, as well as in coastal valleys such as Panoche and Parkfield. They are most often seen foraging in small, noisy groups, walking confidently on the ground in search of insects, seeds, carrion, and human-associated food sources. Known for their curiosity and problem-solving ability, Yellow-billed Magpies communicate with a wide variety of calls and often engage in cooperative behaviors, including group defense against predators. During the breeding season, they build large, conspicuous stick nests high in mature trees, sometimes forming loose colonies. Though adaptable, the species has faced serious challenges from habitat loss and West Nile virus, underscoring the importance of conserving local oak and riparian ecosystems. Protecting the Yellow-billed Magpie means protecting a species, and a landscape, found nowhere else on Earth.
