Biology of Magpies

Magpies (Pica hudsonia) are highly intelligent, vocal birds commonly found throughout Calgary and other regions of Alberta. Known for their bold black-and-white plumage and long tails, magpies thrive in both natural and urban environments. Understanding their biology helps homeowners identify potential risks, nesting behaviors, and reasons why magpies become a nuisance around properties.

Physical Characteristics

Magpies have distinct features that make them easy to identify:

• Size: 35–50 cm in length
  
  

• Tail length makes up more than half their body size
  
  

• Glossy black feathers with iridescent blue-green highlights
  
  

• White belly, shoulders, and wing patches
  
  

• Strong, sharp beak used for scavenging and feeding
  
  

They are among the most intelligent birds in North America—capable of problem-solving, memory learning, and recognizing individual humans.

Behavior and Habitat

Magpies are:

• Highly territorial, especially during nesting season
  
  

• Opportunistic feeders, thriving around human activity
  
  

• Social, often found in small groups
  
  

• Adaptable, living comfortably in cities, farms, rural areas, and parks
  
  

Common nesting and roosting areas include:

• Tall trees
  
  

• Roof eaves
  
  

• Dense shrubs
  
  

• Utility poles
  
  

• Backyard structures
  
  

Magpies build large, dome-shaped nests made from sticks, mud, and grasses—sometimes reusing them year after year.

Diet

Magpies have one of the most diverse diets among Alberta birds.
They eat:

• Insects and grubs
  
  

• Small rodents
  
  

• Eggs and young birds
  
  

• Carrion (dead animals)
  
  

• Fruits, berries, seeds
  
  

• Food scraps and garbage
  
  

• Pet food left outdoors
  
  

Their scavenging behavior is a major reason they are common around Calgary neighborhoods.

Life Cycle

Breeding Season

• Begins in late March to early June
  
  

• Males and females work together to build a large, covered nest
  
  

Egg Stage

• Females lay 5–9 eggs
  
  

• Eggs hatch after 16–21 days
  
  

Nestlings

• Young magpies stay in the nest for 3–4 weeks
  
  

• Parents aggressively defend the area during this period
  
  

Juveniles

• Stay with parents for several months
  
  

• Learn feeding, flight, and social behaviors
  
  

Magpies can live up to 10 years in the wild.

Signs of Magpie Activity

You may notice:

• Loud, repeated squawking or chattering
  
  

• Large dome nests in trees or structures
  
  

• Damage to gardens, fruit trees, or garbage bags
  
  

• Aggressive swooping during nesting season
  
  

• Magpies gathering around pet food or compost
  
  

Are Magpies a Problem?

Although magpies are valuable scavengers, they can become a nuisance:

• Tipping garbage bags
  
  

• Damaging gardens and lawns
  
  

• Disturbing songbird populations
  
  

• Aggressive behavior when defending nests
  
  

• Mess from droppings on roofs, vehicles, or patio areas
  
  

In residential areas, they often become territorial and noisy.

How to Prevent Magpie Problems

Reduce magpie activity by:

• Securing garbage and compost bins
  
  

• Removing outdoor pet food
  
  

• Using bird-proof fruit tree netting
  
  

• Keeping yards clean and free of food scraps
  
  

• Trimming trees to limit nesting sites
  
  

• Installing humane deterrents such as reflective tape or motion devices
  
  

Professional Magpie Control in Calgary

Pest Pro Exterminator provides safe and humane solutions for magpie problems, including:

• Inspection of nesting areas
  
  

• Removal of abandoned nests (where legally allowed)
  
  

• Exclusion and deterrent installation
  
  

• Property protection strategies
  
  

• Long-term prevention planning
  
  

👉 Contact Pest Pro Exterminator at 1-833-579-0860 or visit pestproexterminator.ca for professional wildlife management in Calgary.