Magpie named bird of Edmonton in proclamation at City Hall

The bird is the word at Edmonton City Hall, as celebrations take flight for the magpie — now officially named the Bird of Edmonton following a city-wide vote organized by Nature Alberta.

More than 40,000 people cast their ballots in the online poll, with the magpie winning decisively, earning nearly 40 per cent of the vote.

But what makes this clever — and sometimes divisive — bird the best representative of Edmonton?

“Magpies are especially noteworthy because they have passed the mirror test,” said biologist John Acorn. “They can recognize themselves in a mirror. 99.9 per cent of all animals cannot recognize themselves in a mirror. So that’s a really smart bird.”

If you’re wondering just how many magpies rule Edmonton’s skies, Acorn says that during a single count back in 2001, more than 3,300 were tallied in the city — a number he claims is a world record.

Closer to home, Lauren Hunter, a host at Sonic 102.9 — which is owned by Rogers Communications, the parent company of CityNews — has acted as an unofficial mascot for the airborne contender throughout the vote. She says the magpie is seen by many as an underdog, much like Edmonton itself.

“People don’t necessarily think of them as the prettiest or most amazing bird,” said Hunter, “but once you get to know them, they’re actually really smart.”

City Council has also taken notice. Councillor Aaron Paquette made an official proclamation that May 26, 2026, will be recognized as Day of the Magpie, highlighting the bird’s significance in Indigenous cultures.

“The magpie might be seen as loud, bold and even mischievous,” said Paquette, who represents Ward Dene. “But in our stories, it is also the one that shows up.”