Crypsirina temia
The Racket-tailed Treepie, *Crypsirina temia*, is a striking member of the crow family (Corvidae), immediately recognizable by its glossy black plumage and, most notably, its elongated central tail feathers that end in distinct spatulate, 'racket'-like tips. Measuring approximately 30-35 cm in body length, with the tail adding another 20-30 cm, this medium-sized passerine possesses a stout, dark bill and piercing deep crimson eyes that stand out against its dark feathers. It weighs between 70...
Primarily inhabits lowland open woodlands, secondary forests, bamboo groves, plantations, and cultivated areas, typically found below 800-1000 meters elevation.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming a wide variety of large insects, such as mantises, grasshoppers, and beetles, supplemented by fruits, berries, and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs.
This diurnal species is often observed in pairs or small family groups, actively moving through the canopy and mid-story of trees. Foraging involves agile gleaning of insects from foliage and branches, rapid swooping to hawk flying insects, and occasional descents to the ground for fallen fruits ...
The Racket-tailed Treepie is a resident species widely distributed across Southeast Asia, spanning from parts of southern Myanmar and Thailand, eastward through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its range also extends south into Peninsular Malaysia and the Greater Sunda Islands of Indonesia, specifica...
Least Concern
- The Racket-tailed Treepie earns its name from the distinctive spatulate-tipped central tail feathers, resembling old-fashioned tennis rackets. - Unlike many forest-dwelling corvids, it shows a remarkable adaptability to open woodlands, plantations, and even cultivated agricultural landscapes. -...