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(Pica hudsonia). Patient Number 24-1743.
Date of admission: Nov 18, 2024.
Reason for admission: Physical Injury.
Patient History:
The black-billed magpie, also known as the American magpie, is an easily recognizable member of the Corvid family. This species inhabits the western half of North America from coastal Alaska south to New Mexico. Permanent residents of Alberta, magpies do not normally migrate. Magpies can be found across several varying habitats, from open prairies to wooded areas to crowded cities and suburbs. These birds are black and white overall with blue-green iridescent flashes in the wing and tail. Black-billed magpies have had a long relationship with humans, beginning when early Native Americans hunted bison across the plains of North America. Magpies would follow the hunt, feeding on the discarded scraps of meat.
Magpies are opportunistic omnivores, meaning that they will eat a variety of both vegetable and animal matter. They will feed on many types of insects, seeds, berries, nuts, small rodents, and carrion. Generally, magpies forage for food on the ground, they can be seen walking and hopping from place to place. A mating pair will typically lay 6-7 eggs and incubation is completed by the female for 16-21 days. The male feeds the female during the egg-laying and incubation period, however, both parents bring food to the nestlings once they have hatched. Young leave the nest about 25-29 days after hatching, and will spend approximately 7-14 days on the ground learning to fly. This is one of the most common calls we get in June!
This Black-billed Magpie was brought to us after being found stuck in epoxy behind an apartment building. Upon intake, it was found with dried epoxy matting most of its feathers, including around the eyes and nose, along with a noticeable wing droop and severe damage to the primary and secondary feathers.
Over the past few months, our team has been working to find non-invasive and effective methods to remove the epoxy while keeping stress levels as low as possible.
So far, mineral oils and timed spot baths have proven to be the most effective. While numerous areas still have matted and dried epoxy, this has thankfully not impacted the magpie’s ability to fly short distances. Despite the initial wing droop, they are now maneuvering around their enclosure successfully, flying fast and with small lift.
Recovery will be a long process, as we continue removing what epoxy we can while also awaiting their annual molt for the regrowth of primary and secondary feathers.