Edmonton is full of wildlife, but two birds really stand out if you keep your eyes (and ears) open: the tiny Boreal Chickadee and the bold Black-billed Magpie. Even though they both live in the same region, their lives are very different. Here’s a closer look!
🐦 Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)
Where They Live
The Boreal Chickadee is a true northern bird. They live across the boreal forest of Canada, meaning huge stretches of spruce, fir, and pine. In Alberta, they’re mostly found in forested areas north of Edmonton or in thick woodlands around the city.
Habitat
They love dense coniferous forests, especially dark, mossy spruce stands. You won’t usually find them in open parks—they prefer deep forest where they can hide among branches.
What They’re Like
- Small, fluffy, and brown-capped
- Quiet and shy compared to the Black-capped Chickadee
- Known for their raspy “chick-a-dee-dee” call
- They stash food in bark and branches for winter
Fun Fact
They can survive winters as cold as –40°C by fluffing up their feathers and storing thousands of food items during the summer.
🐦 Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)
Where They Live
These birds are everywhere in Edmonton. They thrive across western North America, from open prairies to towns and cities.
Habitat
Magpies prefer open areas—yards, farms, river valleys, and city neighborhoods. They like places with scattered trees but lots of open ground so they can hunt insects and find shiny treasures.
What They’re Like
- Striking black-and-white body with a long iridescent tail
- Extremely smart and curious
- Loud, social, and not afraid of people
- Known to build huge, domed stick nests
Fun Fact
Magpies can recognize themselves in mirrors, which is a sign of high intelligence. They’re one of the few non-human animals that can do this.
🌲 How These Two Birds Compare
| Feature | Boreal Chickadee | Black-billed Magpie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Tiny | Much larger |
| Habitat | Dense boreal forest | Open spaces, cities, yards |
| Personality | Quiet, secretive | Bold, loud, intelligent |
| Where to See in Edmonton | Forested edges, river valley woods | Almost any neighborhood |
