White-winged Magpie
A species of Blue Magpies Scientific name : Urocissa whiteheadi Genus : Blue Magpies
White-winged Magpie, A species of Blue Magpies
Botanical name: Urocissa whiteheadi
Genus: Blue Magpies
Content
Description
Photo By Lars Petersson
Description
The white-winged magpie or Hainan magpie (Urocissa whiteheadi) is a passerine bird of the crow family, Corvidae. It is unusual among the members of its genus in that it is black and white, lacking the blue plumage other Urocissa magpies have. Thus, it is sometimes placed in its own monotypic genus, Cissopica, though it appears to have sufficient features to remain in the genus Urocissa. There are two subspecies, the nominate whiteheadi being found in Hainan and xanthomelana found in southern China, northern Vietnam, and north and central Laos. The two subspecies are distinctive and may merit specific status; further research is needed. The binomial commemorates the British explorer John Whitehead.
Size
46 cm
Habitat
The white-winged Magpie predominantly resides in forested habitats, such as evergreen, mixed, and broadleaf evergreen forests. They are also found within secondary growths, forest edges, and areas close to cultivation. Additionally, the species adapts to modified environments including heavily logged regions, plantations, and locations associated with stream sides that facilitate their preferred habitat conditions.
Dite type
Omnivorous
Photo By Lars Petersson
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Crows and jays Genus
Blue Magpies Species
White-winged Magpie