Female Black-billed Magpies beg aggressively for food from the male prior to and during incubation.
Courtship-feeding is long and continuous with this species. When the female becomes fertile in the spring she advertises that fact by calling loudly (begging) from near the nest which initiates courtship feeding by her mate prior to copulation. Once the eggs are laid only the female incubates so the male also provides almost all of her food during incubation (she comes out of the nest to receive it).
Though these two photos were taken 2 1/2 weeks apart I believe the female in each image to be the same individual. The image quality is mediocre at best (large crops) but the behavior is clearly documented.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Here the female is begging for food from her mate who is just out of frame at lower-right. The “noise” made by both birds during the process is cacophonous. This image was taken on March 28 prior to incubation so this would be courtship-feeding.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This image was taken on April 17. I’m quite sure the female (on the left) had been incubating just prior to this shot. You can see food in the beak of the male and quite naturally each bird has its nictitating membranes closed to protect their eyes during the rambunctious exchange.
I was struck by how ratty the tail of the female looks in comparison to that of the male. I suspect the reason for that is the fact that during incubation she must spend so much time in the enclosed nest chamber where there isn’t enough room for that long tail to remain straight that her tail takes a lot of abuse as it is bent against the rough sides of the interior chamber.
That however is speculation on my part.
Ron
I’ve searched diligently for the “mediocre” photos but no luck! Just great images of more interesting behaviors of a species of birds I’ve become addicted to…Much to my delight, I recently realized that the feathers decorating my gourd dance rattle, are horse hair AND…magpie feathers!!!.white outlined with black…
Great behavior shots! I miss these birds now that I live in the Eastern US.
Fantastic shots Ron!
Charlotte
This is great- as in the photos you have taken and for the info that helps me know what to look for as things progress here. I am developing quite a fascination for the black-billed magpies.
Good, Jane – I’m glad to hear about your developing fascination for magpies. I have it too.
How are the Magpies doing out there? In California they seem to have been hit hard by West Nile; we were just out in the desert, where they were formerly abundant, and saw only two in 3 days.
Tim, Our magpies seem to be doing fine. I’ve heard no reports of WNV infecting them around here and numbers seem to be about normal (high) – in fact I didn’t even know it was happening in California so thanks for relaying that information.
Here the magpies (male and female) beg humans for food. Quite insistently. My father used to give his breakfast bacon rinds to a regular visitor. One morning, having done his duty, he came back inside for another cup of coffee. And looked down to see the magpie matching him step for step – until they reached the fridge when the bird started to vocalise.
I suspect you are right about that ‘ratty tail’. So unfair.
Fascinating story about your Australian magpies, Elephant’s Child. Our magpies are generally difficult to approach and I’ve never heard of one begging humans for food.
WOW … what amazing wing markings, Ron!!!! Beautiful!!!
Thank you, Lois.
hi ron, just back from the sw including several days at antelope island, I was astounded at the difference in 2 weeks of avocet numbers – april 2 – very few – april 16 – thousands… also my time there makes me appreciate your photos more – I only saw one hawk – spent hours at the 3 different areas for burrowing owls – never got one flying – and you did – your eye and speed in photography is quite practiced and something to aspire… thanks for the inspiration – I am back in central Oregon with the bald eagle nest and the one week old chicklets – was there all last year with George lepp (see his video – google bald eagles and smith rocks) – happy birding…
Barb, I’ll bet we were on the island at the same time while you were here. It can be a magical place for photographers but just like anywhere else there are no guarantees. I’ve been skunked (no keeper images)for several days in a row more than once. But then the next time something magical might happen. I love the place. And you’re right – raptors are very scarce out there right now and I’m not sure why. But the avocets (and Eared Grebes) are making up for it. Lots of meadowlarks, Sage Thrashers, Loggerhead Shrikes, magpies, Horned Larks and a few others to keep me entertained until some more species come in. Thanks for the report on your experience while you were here and good luck with the eagles!