Pica hudsonia, commonly known as the Black-billed Magpie, is native to North America. Its range includes parts of western North America, specifically from northern Alaska and western Canada down through the United States to the Sierra Nevada and southern Rockies.

The Black-billed Magpie inhabits a variety of environmental conditions. It is commonly found in open country with scattered trees and bushes, often near watercourses. These areas include farmlands, grasslands, and western montane regions. The climate in its native region ranges from semi-arid in more southern latitudes to sub-arctic in areas reaching into Alaska and northern Canada.

Ecologically, the Black-billed Magpie is an omnivore and scavenger, playing a role in both predation and decomposition processes. It feeds on a wide range of food items including insects, small mammals, seeds, fruits, grains, and carrion. It's highly adaptable and can often be seen in both rural settings and urban edge environments. This species is also known for its intelligence and adaptability, which helps it thrive in the diverse conditions within its range.