In the scenic state of Idaho, there are a diverse range of crows and magpies that call this place home. With ten different species roaming the skies, including Black-billed Magpies, Common Ravens, American Crows, and Steller’s Jays, it’s no wonder that these intelligent birds have captured the attention of many. Crows, in particular, are known for their problem-solving skills and omnivorous diet, although sometimes their trash-targeting tendencies can give them a bad reputation. Folklore associates crows with death and bad omens, but their unique calls and distinct appearance make them fascinating creatures to observe. From the noisy Black-billed Magpies to the intelligent Common Ravens, each species brings its own charm to the avian population of Idaho. So, whether you’re looking to attract them to your backyard or simply appreciate their beauty from afar, these winged wonders are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Black-billed Magpies
Appearance and Behavior
Black-billed Magpies are commonly seen birds in Idaho, known for their striking black and white plumage. They have a long tail with a white tip, black wings, and a black bill. These magpies are known for their noisy and sociable nature. They often form small flocks and can be seen hopping around in open areas or perched on trees and fences.
Habitat and Range
Black-billed Magpies can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, farmlands, and suburban areas. They are commonly found throughout Idaho and can also be seen in other western states and provinces of North America. These magpies are adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban environments.
Nesting Habits
Black-billed Magpies build large, domed nests made of twigs, grass, and other materials. These nests are usually located in tall trees or shrubs, providing protection for the eggs and chicks. Magpies are known to be territorial during the breeding season and will defend their nests vigorously if threatened. They usually lay around 6 to 8 eggs and both parents participate in the incubation and rearing of the young.
Common Ravens
Appearance and Behavior
Common Ravens are known for their large size and glossy black feathers. They have a thick bill and a heavyset body. These birds are highly intelligent and are known for their problem-solving and cognitive abilities. They are curious and can often be observed playing or engaging in different activities.
Habitat and Range
Common Ravens are resident birds and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountains. They are commonly seen in Canada, western US states, northeastern US states, Mexico, and northern Central America. These adaptable birds can thrive in both urban and rural areas.
Feeding and Scavenging Behavior
As omnivores, Common Ravens have a diverse diet that includes insects, small mammals, birds, carrion, fruits, and seeds. They are known for their scavenging behavior and can often be found feeding on roadkill or other sources of carrion. While their scavenging habits can give them a bad reputation, they play an important role in nature by cleaning up carcasses and helping to maintain the ecosystem.
American Crows
Appearance and Behavior
American Crows are large all-black birds that are commonly found in Idaho. They have a distinctive cawing call and are known for their intelligent and sociable behavior. These birds are highly adaptable and can be seen in a variety of habitats, including forests, urban areas, and agricultural fields.
Habitat and Range
American Crows are found throughout North America, from coast to coast. They can be seen in all types of habitats, from rural areas to urban environments. These birds are often seen in large groups and are known for their communal roosting behavior, where they gather in large numbers in specific locations during the night.
Feeding Habits
American Crows are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes insects, small mammals, eggs, seeds, fruits, and carrion. They are opportunistic feeders and can take advantage of a wide range of food sources. While they can sometimes target trash bins or crops, it’s important to remember that these birds play a vital role in controlling pest populations and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem.
Steller’s Jays
Appearance and Behavior
Steller’s Jays are large songbirds with striking blue and black plumage. They have a crest on their head that they can raise or lower depending on their mood. These jays are known for their bold and noisy behavior, often announcing their presence with a variety of calls and songs.
Habitat and Range
Steller’s Jays can be found in the western parts of the US and Canada, as well as in Mexico and Central America. They prefer coniferous or mixed forests and are commonly seen in mountainous regions. These jays are highly adaptable and can also be observed in parks and suburban areas.
Clark’s Nutcrackers
Appearance and Behavior
Clark’s Nutcrackers are medium-sized birds with a gray body and black wings and tail. They have shorter tails compared to other jay species. These birds are known for their strong bills, which they use to extract seeds from pine cones. They are also highly vocal and can often be heard making a variety of calls.
Habitat and Range
Clark’s Nutcrackers are primarily found in the western parts of North America, including the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. They inhabit coniferous forests, particularly areas with whitebark pines. These birds are highly adapted to their habitat and have specialized traits that allow them to survive in high-altitude environments.
Similarities to Canada Jays
Clark’s Nutcrackers have some similarities to Canada Jays, including their gray coloring and shorter tails. However, they can be distinguished by their larger size and different habitat preferences. While Clark’s Nutcrackers are found in mountainous regions, Canada Jays are commonly seen in boreal forests in Canada, Alaska, and the high mountains of the northwest US.
Canada Jays
Appearance and Behavior
Canada Jays, also known as Grey Jays, are dark gray birds with white undersides. They have a rounded shape and a small, stout bill. These jays are known for their bold and curious behavior and can often be seen approaching humans in search of food.
Habitat and Range
Canada Jays are primarily found in boreal forests in Canada, Alaska, and the high mountains of the northwest US. They prefer coniferous forests and are commonly observed in areas with spruce, fir, and pine trees. These jays are known for their adaptability to cold climates and can be seen even during the winter months.
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays
Appearance and Behavior
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are medium-sized birds with blue and gray feathers. They have a crest on their head that they can raise or lower. These jays are known for their curious and bold behavior, often approaching humans in search of food.
Habitat and Range
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are primarily found in the southwest parts of the US and Mexico. They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts and scrublands. These birds are adaptable to different habitats and can also be seen in urban areas and parks.
Blue Jays
Appearance and Behavior
Blue Jays are known for their vibrant blue feathers and crest on their head. They have white undersides and black markings on their wings and tail. These jays are highly vocal and can often be heard making a variety of calls, including their loud and distinctive jay call.
Habitat and Range
Blue Jays are commonly found in the eastern parts of North America, from southern Canada to Florida. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. These jays are adaptable and can thrive in different environments.
Pinyon Jays
Appearance and Behavior
Pinyon Jays are medium-sized birds with blue-colored plumage. They have a distinctive crest on their head that can be raised or lowered. These jays are known for their gregarious behavior and can often be seen foraging in large flocks.
Habitat and Range
Pinyon Jays are primarily found in the western parts of the US and Mexico. They inhabit pinyon-juniper woodlands and are commonly seen in areas with pinyon pine and juniper trees. These jays rely on these trees for their food source, as they feed on the seeds and fruit.
California Scrub-Jays
Appearance and Behavior
California Scrub-Jays are medium-sized birds with blue feathers. They have a crest on their head that can be raised or lowered. These jays are known for their vocalizations and can often be heard making a variety of calls and songs.
Habitat and Range
California Scrub-Jays are primarily found in the western parts of the US, particularly in California. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, chaparral, and suburban areas. These jays are adaptable and can also be observed in parks and gardens.
In Idaho, a diverse range of crows and magpies can be found, each with its own distinct appearance, behavior, and habitat preferences. These birds are not only fascinating to observe but also play important roles in their ecosystems. While some may associate them with death and bad omens in folklore, it’s important to recognize the value they bring to our natural world.
The Black-billed Magpie, with its black and white plumage, is a common sight in Idaho. These noisy birds are found in various habitats, from forests to suburban areas. They build large, domed nests and are known for their territorial behavior during the breeding season.
On the other hand, the Common Raven stands out with its large size and glossy black feathers. These highly intelligent birds can be found in diverse habitats and are known for their problem-solving skills. They contribute to the ecosystem by scavenging and cleaning up carrion.
American Crows are large, all-black birds that are commonly found throughout North America, including Idaho. They are adaptable to various habitats and are known for their communal roosting behavior. These birds have a diverse diet and play a crucial role in pest control and environmental balance.
Steller’s Jays are recognizable by their blue and black plumage and bold behavior. They are commonly found in western parts of North America and display striking vocalizations. These jays prefer coniferous forests but can also adapt to urban areas.
Clark’s Nutcrackers, similar in appearance to Canada Jays, can be distinguished by their gray coloring and shorter tails. They are predominantly found in mountainous regions, particularly in the western parts of North America. These birds have specialized adaptations to survive in high-altitude environments.
Canada Jays, or Grey Jays, are dark gray birds commonly seen in boreal forests. They have a rounded shape and are known for their curious and social behavior. These jays are highly adaptable to cold climates and can be observed even in winter months.
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays are medium-sized birds with blue and gray feathers. They are primarily found in southwestern parts of the US and Mexico. These jays are known for their bold nature and can often be seen approaching humans.
Blue Jays, with their vibrant blue feathers and crest, are commonly found in the eastern parts of North America. They are adaptable to different habitats and are known for their vocalizations and distinctive jay call.
Pinyon Jays are characterized by their blue-colored plumage and gregarious behavior. They are primarily found in western parts of North America and rely on pinyon pine and juniper trees for their food source.
Lastly, California Scrub-Jays are medium-sized birds with blue feathers. They can be observed in diverse habitats, from woodlands to suburban areas, particularly in California. These jays are highly vocal and display various calls and songs.
To attract crows and magpies to your backyard, providing them with food such as peanuts, suet, and sunflower seeds can be beneficial. However, it’s important to maintain a balance and be mindful of their natural feeding habits.
In conclusion, the diverse range of crows and magpies in Idaho offers a fascinating glimpse into the avian world. From their distinctive appearances to their unique behaviors and habitats, these birds play important roles in nature. By appreciating and understanding them, we can foster a greater appreciation for the natural world around us.