Azure-winged Magpie

The azure-winged magpie, known scientifically as Cyanopica cyanus, is a captivating bird belonging to the crow family. It measures between 31 to 35 centimeters in length, presenting a more slender figure compared to its relative, the Eurasian magpie. This species is characterized by its glossy black head and a contrasting white throat. The underparts and back exhibit a light grey-fawn hue, while the wings and elongated tail, ranging from 16 to 20 centimeters, boast a striking azure blue.

Identification Tips

When identifying the azure-winged magpie, look for its smaller legs and bill relative to its body size. The combination of its black head, white throat, and azure blue wings and tail feathers are distinctive features that set it apart from other magpie species.

Habitat

This bird is quite adaptable, residing in a variety of forest environments, including both coniferous, predominantly pine, and broadleaf forests. It is also a common sight in parks and gardens within its range in eastern populations.

Distribution

The azure-winged magpie is widespread across eastern Asia, with its range extending through China, Korea, Japan, and reaching north into Mongolia and southern Siberia. It was once thought to be conspecific with the Iberian magpie found in southwestern and central Iberia, but genetic analysis has since distinguished them as separate species.

Behaviour

Azure-winged magpies are sociable birds, often foraging in family groups or joining together to form flocks that can number up to 70 individuals. These flocks are particularly large after the breeding season and during winter. They exhibit a notable behavior of nesting in loose, open colonies, with each tree typically hosting a single nest.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the azure-winged magpie are quite distinctive, consisting of a metallic-sounding series of 'kwink-kwink-kwink' notes, often preceded by a solitary 'krarrah'.

Breeding

During the breeding season, azure-winged magpies construct their nests in trees within loose colonies. A typical clutch contains 6 to 8 eggs, which are incubated for approximately 15 days. Interestingly, those with asynchronous broods, leading to a size hierarchy among nestlings, tend to produce more eggs and successfully fledge more offspring than those with synchronous broods.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the azure-winged magpie is primarily composed of acorns and pine nuts. However, they also consume a variety of invertebrates and their larvae, soft fruits, berries, and will not shy away from human-provided scraps in urban settings.

Conservation status

The azure-winged magpie is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction in its natural habitat.