Taiwan Blue-Magpie Urocissa caerulea Scientific name definitions

63–68 cm; 254–260 g. Distinctive black-hooded, pale-eyed blue magpie with very long, strongly graduated tail , central pair of rectrices projecting beyond next by up to c. 40%; rather stout bill with curved culmen, nostrils concealed by soft plumes (rather than bristles), crown feathers slightly ruffled. Entire head down to upper breast and nape black with dark blue feather tips; remainder of body plumage deep azure-blue, narrow whitish fringes on undertail-coverts; uppertail-coverts black with narrow whitish scale-like fringes; upperwing dark azure-blue, narrow white fringes on tertials , minute white marks at primary tips; tail azure-blue, feathers with broad white tips and wide black subterminal bands (ladder-like impression when viewed from below ); iris lemon-yellow to yellowish-white, narrow dull scarlet to blackish orbital ring; bill and legs scarlet. Sexes similar. Juvenile is duller than adult, body plumage more greyish-blue, with greyish-black hood, brown iris and drab pinkish bill and legs, but wings and tail similar to those of adult.

Taiwan.

Broadleaf forest at 400–1000 m, but reported down to 300 m and as high as 1200 m.

Mainly sedentary; some movement to lower elevations in winter.

Omnivorous; as well as wide variety of invertebrates , takes various berries and figs (Ficus). Recorded capturing a frog . Usually encountered in small parties of six or seven individuals, presumably family groups, but larger gatherings after young have fledged. Rather shy and wary, keeping very much inside forest canopy (making prolonged observation difficult). Although reluctant to cross open stretches of countryside, will do so in "follow-my-leader" manner typical of genus (several short flaps and a glide). Forages at all levels, including forest floor; on ground makes bounding hops with tail raised, the very end curving as if tip drooped.

Usual call a loud chattering "kyak-kyak-kyak-...", not unlike call of Pica pica but slower and higher in pitch. Also a harsh, ringing "go-kang, go-kang" and several softer calls , notably a "kwee-eep" or "garsee-eep".

Season May and Jun; eggs recorded mid-May to late May. Social and co-operative breeder; helpers assumed to be young of previous year, which assist in feeding fledglings. Nest a quite large platform-like construction of sticks and twigs, built on horizontal bough at junction of several smaller branches. Clutch 5 or 6 eggs. No other information.

Not globally threatened. Restricted-range species: present in Taiwan EBA. Status not well known; generally considered uncommon and elusive. Prefers to keep to shadowy gloom of dense forest (where it can appear to be wholly dark, but white-spotted tail conspicuous when it flies). Absent from lowland areas and C belt of mountains, but does occur in several protected areas, notably the Yangmingshan National Park and the Huisun National Forest Recreation Area. Fragmentation of forest habitat through felling is biggest threat to this and several other Taiwan endemics.