White-bellied Treepie

The White-bellied Treepie, known scientifically as Dendrocitta leucogastra, is a striking member of the crow family, Corvidae. Endemic to the lush forests of southern India, this bird is a visual treat with its contrasting plumage. It measures a notable 48 cm in length, making it a sizeable presence in its habitat.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing the White-bellied Treepie from its cousin, the Rufous Treepie, is relatively straightforward. This species boasts a distinctive white head and underparts, with a contrasting black throat and breast. The thighs are cloaked in black, while the undertail coverts present a rich chestnut hue. The back is a warm chestnut-brown, and the wings are black with a conspicuous white patch. The rump echoes the whiteness of the head. Observers will note the tail feathers, where the central two are silver-grey for two-thirds of their length before transitioning to black. The beak and legs are a dark greyish-black, completing the bird's elegant appearance.

Habitat

The White-bellied Treepie is a denizen of denser forests, showing a preference for less disturbed areas compared to the Rufous Treepie. It is less commonly found in proximity to human settlements.

Distribution

This bird is primarily found in the Western Ghats, with its range extending mainly south of Goa. There have been occasional sightings outside its core distribution, including Erimalai near Dharmapuri, the Surat Dangs, and the southeastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. However, a record from central India has been met with skepticism.

Behaviour

The White-bellied Treepie exhibits a varied diet, consuming fruits, seeds, nectar, invertebrates, reptiles, rodents, and even nestlings and eggs. Its behavior when calling is quite distinctive; the bird bows and droops its wings. During the pre-monsoon breeding season, particularly in April and May, with some nesting as early as February, these birds may congregate and call vociferously in trees. They are also known to participate in mixed-species foraging flocks, often alongside the Greater Racket-tailed Drongos.

Breeding

The nest of the White-bellied Treepie is a simple platform of twigs situated in a medium-sized tree. The female typically lays a clutch of three ashy grey eggs adorned with green and grey blotches.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the White-bellied Treepie as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.