25. Yellow-billed Magpie

Nests - In central coastal California and Central Valley begins as early as late January for some pairs; by mid February, almost all breeding pairs are involved in nest-building. Nests high in large trees and most nests are in oak trees, often in mistletoe clumps. Nest construction begins late December–March. Up to 2 months to construct nest. Nest is extremely large structure with mud (or dung) and stick base, stick canopy (dome), and mud bowl lined with animal hair, grass, shredded bark, or rootlets. 

Eggs - Subelliptical, short subelliptical, or oval, pale greenish blue, grayish blue, buff, or olive; heavily spotted and speckled or, more exceptionally, blotched, with olive-brown and gray. Clutch size is 5 to 7 eggs.

Incubation - Eggs hatch 16–18 d after beginning of incubation. female spends most time on nest and is provisioned by male

Fledging - Young are altricial and both parents provision developing nestlings with food and depart from nest about 30 d after hatching.