Black-billed Magpie (Pica Hudsonia) found on Banff National Park - Alberta, Canada

Greetings, bird loving travelers!

I've just made a post about the Banff National Park, and mentioned we've crossed a Canadian Blue Jay. However, ChatGPT4o with internet access helped me to learn that it's actually a Black-billed Magpie.

Here's the full information from my digital friend:

The bird in the image is a Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia), a striking bird native to western North America, including Banff National Park in Canada. Black-billed Magpies are easily recognizable by their contrasting black and white plumage, long tail, and iridescent blue-green sheen on their wings and tail feathers. They are highly intelligent members of the crow family (Corvidae) and are known for their adaptability and complex social behaviors. These birds are commonly found in open habitats such as meadows, forest edges, and areas near human habitation. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of insects, small mammals, carrion, seeds, and fruits. The species plays an essential ecological role as scavengers and seed dispersers.

This bird is not a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), which is native to eastern and central North America and has distinct blue, white, and black plumage with a prominent crest on its head. Unlike the Blue Jay, the Black-billed Magpie lacks a crest and has a significantly different color pattern, featuring mostly black and white with iridescent highlights. Additionally, Blue Jays are more commonly found in deciduous or mixed woodlands, whereas Black-billed Magpies thrive in more open landscapes typical of western Canada. The differences in range, physical appearance, and habitat preferences clearly distinguish these two species.