Azure-winged Magpie

Scientific Name: Cyanopica cyanus

Classification: Order: Passeriformes; Family: Corvidae

Azure-winged Magpie

Brief Description

A social, intelligent corvid with a distinctive black cap and bright blue wings/tail. They are often seen in noisy flocks foraging on the ground or in trees.

Additional Information

  • Region of Origin: East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, and parts of Russia)
  • Typical Sighting Period: Year-round (Resident)
  • Plumage Details: Adults have a glossy black cap, a pale greyish-fawn back and underparts, and striking azure blue wings and a long blue tail. Juveniles are duller with less vibrant blue and lacks the sharp glossy black cap.
  • Ecological Significance: As omnivores, they help control insect populations and assist in seed dispersal. Their social behavior and alarm calls also benefit other species in their ecosystem.
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN); Stable population trend
  • Observation Tips: Look for them in small, active groups in urban parks or coniferous forests. They are vocal and often fly in a follow-the-leader fashion between trees.

Size & Weight

Length: 31-35 cm; Wingspan: 38-44 cm; Weight: 65-118 g

Diet

Omnivorous; feeds on seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, small invertebrates, and human food scraps. Often forages in family groups on the ground.

Habitat

Open coniferous or deciduous forests, parks, gardens, and agricultural land, often near water.

Migration

Resident; they typically stay in their breeding range year-round.

Voice (Call & Song)

A harsh, ascending 'zhreee' or a raspy 'kwar-kwar' call, characteristic of many corvids but higher-pitched than crows.

Nesting & Breeding

Nests in colonies. Builds a cup-shaped nest of twigs reinforced with mud and lined with hair or moss. Usually 6-8 eggs are laid. Co-operative breeding is common.

Key Field Marks

Glossy black cap, blue wings, very long blue tail, pale greyish-buff body, and stocky corvid shape.

Similar Species

Iberian Magpie (Cyanopica cooki) is nearly identical but found only on the Iberian Peninsula; it lacks the white wing tips and has slightly different vocalizations.

Interesting Facts

The Azure-winged Magpie has a remarkably disjunct distribution, with one population in East Asia and a closely related species in Spain and Portugal, which was once thought to be an ancient introduction but is now known to be a distinct evolutionary lineage.