Edmonton has a new feathered mascot: the Black-billed Magpie.In a city-wide vote organized by Nature Alberta, the striking corvid claimed the title of official city bird, securing 16,018 votes — nearly 40% of the 40,829 total votes cast.The announcement highlights the magpie’s deep connection to Edmonton’s identity, despite its polarizing reputation.Stephanie Weizenbach, the Executive Director of Nature Alberta, told the Western Standard that the magpie’s success reflects its cultural significance in the local area.“It’s a unique and iconic local bird,” she said. “Every Edmontonian has seen it, whether they wanted to or not.”.Senate moves to name whiskey jack Canada’s national bird .The magpie’s visibility was evident at promotional events for the vote, where magpies were a constant presence, making them an easy reference point for voters.The selection process, supported by the Edmonton Nature Club and Bird Friendly Edmonton, involved two rounds of voting.An initial round featured six contenders, which were narrowed down to three finalists: the Black-billed Magpie, the Blue Jay, and the Boreal Chickadee.The Blue Jay took second place with 10,675 votes, while the Boreal Chickadee earned 9,036 votes.Other contenders — including the Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Downy Woodpecker — each garnered between 1,000 and 2,000 votes..At-risk bird is unloved by Newfoundlanders.The magpie’s bold black, blue, green, and white markings have also appeared on local murals and even inspired Halloween costumes in the past.However, the avian’s scavenger habits — such as raiding unsecured garbage or pet food — drew mixed feelings.“They certainly challenge us,” Weizenbach admitted, acknowledging that many people have negative perceptions, but she emphasized the bird’s memorable presence.Elly Knight, an avian ecologist with the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute and a professor at the University of Alberta, noted the magpie’s prominence in every Edmonton neighbourhood.“Everyone’s neighbour is a magpie in Edmonton,” she told the Canadian Press..Knight did, however, express reservations about the choice, calling magpies “brash” and “noisy” compared to the average Edmontonian’s demeanour.“As corvids, they’re sometimes a little bit mean,” she added.Despite differing opinions, the Black-billed Magpie’s cunning and chatty comportment has cemented its place as Edmonton’s feathered emblem, soaring as a symbol of the city’s spirited personality.
