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Species · Alaska · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Black-billed Magpie Population Trend in Alaska

All statesGeneralists

Black-billed Magpie in Alaska has surged: up 98% on the route-weighted index since 1977.

+98%Since 1977
58Routes In State
46Years

Notable Black-billed Magpie Trends in Alaska

long arc increasecomputed index

Black-billed Magpie has surged in Alaska: up 98% on the route-weighted index since 1977.

Black-billed Magpie Population Forecast in Alaska

If the recent trend holds, Black-billed Magpie in Alaska is projected to rise about 17% by 2029 — from 1.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.2 (95% range 0.04–2.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+17%Change by 2029
1.2Projected 2029 index
0.04–2.395% range
±17.4%Backtest error
19752029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20251.20.072.4
20261.20.062.4
20271.20.062.4
20281.20.042.3
20291.20.042.3

Black-billed Magpie Survey Routes in Alaska

Routes recording Black-billed Magpie in Alaska.
Kodiak 21720241985
Yakutat (Short)1619841984
Kodiak1419841983
Kachemak1420241986
Cohoe1420232012
Anchor River1320241983
Homer919821977
Savage720241986
Kalifonsky620232012
Toklat520211983
Sourdough520221998
Dillingham520171994
Cold Bay520241993
Sheep Mtn420171983
Hope420231993
Moose Pass419921983
Slana320241995
Mccarthy Rd2319991999
Seward319921984
Goose Bay319821976
Cottonwood319901987
Thompson Pas320242000
Hatcher Pass320241982
Kenai Lake (Short)219921992
Maclaren219861986

Black-billed Magpie Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoidahokansasminnesotamontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoklahomaoregonsouth-dakotautahwashingtonwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.