Latin name: Pica
pica
Yupik name:
Qalqerayak
These highly social birds are
omnivorous scavengers; they are common in open country over much
of their range.
Description: 18-22" (45.5-56 cm). Black above
and white below, with a white wing patch and scapulars and grayish-white
band
on rump. Bill and legs black
(but much racial variation; some birds noted with yellowish bill).
Wings have blue gloss. Tail long; looks graduated when
fanned.
Voice: High, inquisitive
mahg? ; also chek-chek-chek or wenk-wenk-wenk
Similar Species: See Yellow-billed Magpie.
Range: Resident from S.
central Alaska and W. Canada to Ne. and extreme E. central
California, east to central Great Plains. Casual north and east of
range in fall and winter.
Marshall
Cultural Atlas
