Edmonton, Alberta, has designated the magpie as its official city bird [1].
The selection recognizes the bird as a familiar and adaptable part of the urban wildlife, elevating a common neighbor to a formal civic symbol [1], [2].
City officials initiated the process with a public vote in June 2025 [3]. The magpie was officially unveiled as the city bird in July 2025 [2]. The decision reflects a community desire to embrace the local environment and the specific animals that thrive within the city's limits [1], [2].
Dale Gienow, an expert from WILDNorth, said the birds are remarkable creatures [1]. Their ability to adapt to the urban landscape of Edmonton makes them a fitting representative for the city's identity. Residents have long interacted with the birds in their daily lives, creating a bond between the urban population and the local fauna [1].
Some residents have developed personal relationships with the birds. Nita Jalkanen, who has observed the birds in her environment, said, “I talk to them. I say, ‘Good morning or good …’” [3].
The magpie's presence in Edmonton is widespread, and its intelligence and adaptability are cited as primary reasons for its selection [1]. By formalizing the magpie's status, the city acknowledges the intersection of nature and urban development, a relationship that defines much of the regional landscape [2].
Recent educational content published on June 24, 2026, continues to highlight the specific traits that make the magpie special to the people of Edmonton [1]. The bird's status as a civic symbol serves as a point of local pride and an invitation for residents to appreciate the biodiversity in their own backyards [1].
“Edmonton, Alberta, has designated the magpie as its official city bird”
The adoption of the magpie as a civic symbol signals a shift toward valuing urban-adapted species over more traditional, wilderness-based wildlife. By choosing a bird that is often viewed as a common or even opportunistic neighbor, Edmonton is rebranding the urban environment as a shared habitat, potentially increasing public engagement with local conservation and biodiversity.
