Birdsong field guide
White-winged Magpie
Urocissa whiteheadi
The White-winged Magpie is a large, distinctive corvid of Southeast Asia, notable for its unique black-and-white plumage that deviates from the bright blues of its close relatives.
What it sounds like
A series of loud, raucous chattering and harsh shrieks, occasionally mixed with clear, metallic whistling notes.
Field notes
- Unlike most members of the genus Urocissa, this species lacks blue or green feathers, featuring a monochromatic black, white, and grey palette.
- It is highly gregarious, often foraging in noisy social groups of up to 20 individuals outside of the breeding season.
- Two subspecies exist: U. w. whiteheadi, endemic to Hainan Island, and U. w. xanthomelana on the Southeast Asian mainland.
- Its tail is noticeably shorter and broader compared to the elongated, streaming tails of the Red-billed Blue Magpie.
- The species is an omnivorous generalist, consuming a varied diet of insects, small fruit, and small vertebrate prey.
Habitat
Subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests and montane evergreen forests.
Range
Southern China, Hainan Island, Northern Vietnam, and Northern Laos.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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