2020 Bonanza Bird #15

Asia's Feathered Gem: Introducing the Birdorable Red-billed Blue-Magpie

Birdorable Red-billed Blue-Magpie

The Red-billed Blue-Magpie, scientifically known as Urocissa erythroryncha, is a beautiful member of the corvid family. These striking birds are primarily found in various parts of Asia, where their vibrant plumage and distinctive features make them a true marvel of nature.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Red-billed Blue-Magpie is its extraordinarily long tail, which stands out as one of the lengthiest among all corvid species. This impressive tail adds to their overall elegance and sets them apart from their avian relatives.

The plumage of these magpies is a captivating blend of dark blue, black, and white. Their striking appearance, characterized by contrasting colors, ensures that they are easily distinguishable in their habitat. The bright red-orange bill provides a stark contrast to their predominantly dark plumage, making it a standout feature.

Red-billed Blue-Magpies are known for their social nature and are often observed in the company of their peers. These birds form small feeding flocks, typically consisting of 6-8 individuals. Their gregarious behavior allows them to forage more effectively and increases their chances of locating food sources.

The Red-billed Blue-Magpie's natural habitat includes a range of wooded environments, from lush forests to wooded hillsides. They can be found in various regions across Asia, where they thrive in the diverse landscapes provided by the continent.

Red-billed Blue Magpie
Red-billed Blue Magpie in Timlipani, Uttarakhand, India by soumyajit nandy (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Tomorrow we’ll add a species of swallow found in open habitat in South America. This cutie is named after the color of its rump! Can you guess the species from this cheeky clue?

Cute Red-billed Blue-Magpie Gifts

Comments

Just Another Birder on December 8, 2020 at 2:38 PM wrote:
This one stumped me earlier! Is the next one a White-Rumped Swallow?
Birdorable (Arthur) on December 9, 2020 at 7:19 PM wrote:
Yes, you were correct, Just Another Birder. It is the White-rumped Swallow.
Spurwing Plover on May 21, 2022 at 9:32 PM wrote:
Just one of the more colorful Corvids

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Busting a Bird Myth: Can Owls Rotate Their Heads All the Way Around?

As part of our continuing series on bird myths, today we unravel the truth behind a familiar claim: Owls Can Turn Their Heads 360 Degrees. While this statement stretches the truth by nearly 100 degrees, the reality is no less astonishing. Owls are indeed masters of neck...

2016 Bonanza Bird #1: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

It's time for our 2016 Birdorable Bonanza! This time we are commemorating the 10 year anniversary of Birdorable with a 10-bird celebration. Today's new bird is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, a beautiful species in the kingbird genus and the tyrant flycatcher...

2019 Bonanza Bird #2: Mrs. Gould's Sunbird

Today's new bird has a fabulous plumage and an interesting name: here is our Birdorable Mrs. Gould's Sunbird! Mrs. Gould's Sunbird is a small species of bird native to parts of Asia, including China, India, and Thailand. It is part of...

What is a Brood Patch? Why and When Do Birds Have Them?

A brood patch is a bare area of skin that some birds develop during nesting. The bare skin is an adaptation to help with egg incuabation. The patch of featherless skin allows the parent bird to provide extra warmth from his or her own body to the eggs in...