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RED BILLED BLUE MAGPIE

SCIENTIFIC NAME:  Trachyphonus erythrocephalus
HOUSE NAMES:
"Janear" and "Iago"

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HABITAT:  East central and southwest China. From the western Himalayas to China’s east coast, including Thailand, Myanmar (once known as Burma), and Indo-China.

CONSERVATION STATUS:   Least Concern

FUN FACT:  They are known for their vocal mimicry, which is the ability to vocally imitate other species. Their varied calls include a high-pitched whistle that sounds like a flute.

DIET:  Omnivorous, but mainly carnivorous.  Eats various invertebrates, tree-frogs, small lizards, bird eggs and nestlings, and even small mammals.  Also, carrion and kitchen scraps.  A variety of fruits and berries are also eaten.  Feeds on the ground and in trees.

DESCRIPTION:  The bill, legs, and feet are bright orange-red to yellow in color.  The ring around the eye is also orange-red.  The head, neck, and breast are black with a bluish spotting on the crown of the head.  The shoulders and rump are a duller blue; underparts are a greyish cream.  The long tail is a brighter blue (as are the wing primaries) with a broad white tip.   The tail can measure up to 17 inches in length, total body length is approximately 27 inches.

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