Over the past 150 years, and particularly in recent decades, the California landscape has changed drastically. Oak woodlands and native grasslands that comprised this magpie's home have deminished (but see wonderful projects such as Putah Creek Oak restoration).

When West Nile Virus entered magpie habitat in California in 2004, many magpies and other corvids (the family of birds including crows, magpie, and jays) died. The number dying is unknown, however the California Department of Health Services data from their West Nile Virus Dead Bird Surveillance indicate that magpie deaths were on the order of thousands ... or more.

Click here to learn more about West Nile Virus and Yellow-billed Magpies.The best way to determine whether West Nile Virus and other threats are having a negative impact on magpies is to better monitor their numbers. Click here to learn how you can help.