The black-billed Magpie

The bold chatter of stakatniigi, the black-billed Magpie, often announces its arrival before the bird appears. In early spring, these intelligent members of the crow family begin their nesting season, gathering sticks to build the large domed nests that will soon hold their eggs. Magpies are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on insects, carrion, seeds, and small animals, and they are even known to pick ticks from large mammals like moose.

 

In Ahtna:

stakatniigi, pronounced stok-at-nee-gee, black-billed magpie, Pica pica