Red-billed Blue-Magpie Urocissa erythroryncha Scientific name definitions

53–68 cm; male 145–192 g, female 106–155 g. Highly distinctive blue magpie with exceptionally long, strongly graduated, sweeping white-spotted tail, central feather pair projecting beyond next by up to c. 40–50% and drooping towards tip; bill rather prominent, nostrils concealed by soft plumes (not bristles). Nominate race has head down to upper breast and upper mantle velvety black, feathers of rear crown and nape with extensive white tips (showing either as spangling or as whitish area, depending on extent of feather wear), feathers of forecrown also with tiny whitish tips; upper­parts dull medium-blue with weak mauve wash, uppertail-coverts with narrow whitish subterminal bars and black tips; upperwing brighter blue with stronger mauve tones, tips of primaries and secondaries narrowly whitish with narrow dark subterminal lines (this pattern clearest on tertials); tail mauve-blue, feathers with broad white tips and black subterminal bars (latter weakest on longest central pair), white tips progressively more extensive towards shorter outermost feathers; underparts below upper breast whitish , washed lightly with grey (and can be tinged salmon-pink in very fresh plumage), undertail-coverts whiter; iris dark brown; bill and legs reddish-pink to coral-red. Differs from similar U. flavirostris in having bluer and whiter general appearance, extensive white speckles and spangling over most of crown and nape (and reaching mantle), and red bill. Sexes similar. Juvenile is duller than adult, with throat, face and breast centre whitish, leaving black as mask across face and side of neck, bill and legs drab greyish, becoming dull yellowish-flesh. Races differ mainly in overall brightness of adult plumage, to certain extent also size: <em>occipitalis</em> has relatively bright bluish upperparts , bold white fringes on tertials, juvenile has blackish throat and chest; brevivexilla is palest and greyest, with very extensive pale lavender (rather than white) patch on rear crown and nape; alticola has bluer upperparts than nominate; <em>magnirostris</em> is brightest race, with strongest mauve tones in quite blue upperparts, bill relatively larger than in others.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Omnivorous, but mainly carnivorus. Recorded prey items include wide variety of larger invertebrates, especially beetles (Coleoptera), caterpillars, also land-leeches (Hirudinea), tree-frogs, small lizards, birds' eggs and nestlings, and even small mammals; also carrion and kitchen scraps. Variety of fruits and berries also taken. Usually encountered in small parties of six or seven, sometimes up to twelve, individuals, presumably family-based groups. Generally rather shy, but in some areas scavenges about villages and forest settlements, where may become less wary. Parties fly low across clearings in follow-my-leader style, swooping up under canopy of a desired tree. Forages at all levels, including forest floor , where it jumps about with tail raised, the very tip drooping. Occasional records of one or two U. flavirostris mixed with foraging parties of present species.

Noisy . Presence often first indicated by contact call, a loud, ringing, almost metallic "penk-penk-penk...". Other calls include piercing "quiv-pig-pig", softer "beeee-trk" and subdued "kluk". Also a harsh staccato "cha-chak, cha-chak", which can be repeated into a chatter; also a prolonged high-pitched scream, and various whistles and rattling sounds. Versatile mimic, with calls of black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Crested Serpent-eagle (Spilornis cheela), hawk-eagles (Spizaetus), Shikra (Accipiter badius) and Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) reported as imitated.