Bird vs. Bird
Here’s the tale of the tape; you decide which is the featherweight champion of the Wasatch!
Although some locals think magpies should become our official “town bird,” others eagerly await the annual arrival of a more elusive—
and, arguably, more attractive—feathered friend.
Here’s the tale of the tape; you decide which is the featherweight champion of the Wasatch!
The Challenger: The black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
Weight: 2.5 grams (same as a penny)
Nickname: “Flower kisser”
Visits in fair weather (May–September)
Feeds on aromatic flower nectar
Hears better than humans
Flits about daintily, seemingly suspended in air
Will hover outside a window politely waiting for the feeder to be refilled
The Defender: The black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia)
Weight: 7–9 ounces (same as a rat with wings)
Nickname: “Flying undertaker”
Lingers year-round
Feeds on young birds, small reptiles, insects, scraps, and dog doo
Squawks incessantly, hurting human ears
Dive-bombs to steal lunches, dog food, birds’ eggs, and roadkill
Will steal shiny objects including jewelry
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