Urocissa whiteheadi
The White-winged Magpie, *Urocissa whiteheadi*, is a striking corvid renowned for its stark black and white plumage contrasted with brilliant red soft parts. Measuring approximately 43-46 cm in length, a significant portion of which is its exceptionally long, graduated tail, this species presents an unmistakable profile. Its body, head, and breast are a glossy black, dramatically accented by a conspicuous white patch on the primaries of each wing and a clean white belly, vent, and undertail c...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forests, favoring dense understory and forest edge. It is typically found in hilly or montane regions, ranging from approximately 600 to 1500 meters in elevation, though occasionally observed at lower altitudes.
The White-winged Magpie is an opportunistic omnivore, consuming a diverse diet of large insects, small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, eggs, nestlings), and a variety of wild fruits and seeds, foraging both arboreally and terrestrially.
White-winged Magpies are diurnal and typically observed in pairs or small, cohesive family groups, occasionally forming larger flocks outside the breeding season. Their foraging strategy is highly versatile; they glean insects and fruits from tree canopies and undergrowth, but also descend to the...
The White-winged Magpie is endemic to Southeast Asia, with its primary distribution concentrated in southern China, northern Vietnam, and northern Laos. Its range in China includes provinces such as Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan Island, where a distinct subspecies, *U. w. xanthomelana*, is found...
Near Threatened
- Its genus name, *Urocissa*, is derived from Greek words meaning 'tail' and 'magpie', aptly describing its most prominent feature. - Unlike most magpies in its genus which are predominantly blue, the White-winged Magpie stands out with its striking black and white coloration. - The species was f...