Your Edmonton City Bird
After a 6-month campaign in which an amazing 40,829 votes were cast, we're thrilled to announce that
the winner of the Edmonton City Bird Vote is the
Black-billed Magpie
After a 6-month campaign in which an amazing 40,829 votes were cast, we're thrilled to announce that
the winner of the Edmonton City Bird Vote is the
Black-billed Magpie
Thank you to everyone who voted in, shared, and supported this incredible campaign!
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Black-billed Magpie
These clever, entertaining birds are found throughout western North America. A talkative bird, they often sit conspicuously in the open, making them easy to hear and see. The striking black and white pattern shows hints of iridescent blue or green in the black feathers. Here in Edmonton, we have a version referred to as the Ghost Magpie (photo), which, through a genetic mutation, exhibits imperfect albinism. The amount of black pigmentation is much lower than in normal Black-billed Magpies, giving a distinct white-grey colouring. Surprisingly, their eyes are pale blue. Royal Alberta Museum ornithologist Jocelyn Hudon says the phenomenon is highly unusual. The prevalence of the pale-coloured birds in Edmonton likely traces back to a single magpie that displayed the mutation many years ago. Over time, more birds have taken on the distinct quality or have carried the mutation. They have all the personality of a regular Black-billed Magpie. Learn more about the Black-billed Magpie . Black-billed Magpie photo - Gerald Romanchuk / "Ghost" Magpie photo - Don Delaney |
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More than 300 bird species have been recorded in Edmonton. Some live here year-round, while others just visit when migrating to and from their breeding territory. This project helps raise awareness about how important urban wildlife and biodiversity is, and celebrates Edmonton's birds!
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