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Red-billed Blue Magpie
Urocissa erythrorhyncha
The red-billed blue magpie is bright blue with a white belly, black head and strikingly colored tail feathers than can grow up to 17 inches long. Their bill and feet are a bright orange-red.
Range & Habitat
They are native to the forests and woodlands of Northern and eastern India, China and Southeast Asia. However, this species has adapted to urban habitats and is commonly found in large cities such as Beijing and Hong Kong.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Diet
In the Wild – invertebrates, small animals, fruit and some seeds. They will also rob other birds' nests of eggs and chicks.
At the Zoo – insects, small mammals, fruits, vegetables and commercial pellets.
Life Span
In the Wild: Unknown
In Human Care: 15 years+
In Human Care: 15 years+
Fun Facts about the Red-billed Blue Magpie
- The red-billed blue magpie is a brightly colored member of the crow and jay family.
- Bird species in this family, called Corvidae, are known for their intelligence and problem-solving skills.
- It is believed that their showy tails play a role in courtship displays.
Sources
BirdLife International (2021) Species factsheet: Urocissa erythroryncha. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 21/03/2021.
Myers, Mark. (2013) Species Fact Sheets. Red-billed blue magpie. Accessed on March 21, 2021 at http://aviansag.org/Fact_Sheets/PACCT/RBB_Magpie.pdf
St. Louis Zoo (Ed.). (2021). Red-billed Blue Magpie. Retrieved March 21, 2021 from https://www.stlzoo.org/animals/abouttheanimals/birds/perchingbirds/redbilledbluemagpie
Thai National Parks. (2021). Species of Thailand. Red-billed blue magpie. Accessed March 21, 2021 from https://thainationalparks.com/species/red-billed-blue-magpie
Updated June 13, 2023
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