About the Asir Magpie
The Asir magpie, also known as the Arabian magpie, is a highly endangered species of magpie endemic to Saudi Arabia. It is only found in the country's southwestern highlands, in the Asir Mountains. It occurs only in African juniper forest in well-vegetated wadis and valleys. It was originally described as a subspecies of the Eurasian magpie as Pica pica asirensis, and still is by some authorities. This species is highly threatened by habitat destruction, as its native forests are not regenerating. Tourism development and climate change are also posing a threat. Only 135 pairs are known to survive in the wild, and this number is declining.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Asir magpie (Pica asirensis) is about 45–46 cm (18–18 in) long, and its weight is 200–240 g (7.1–8.5 oz). Its head, neck, back, front chest, rump, and feet are all black. Its shoulders and belly are white. Its tail is black with purple to bronze-green iridescence. Compared to the Eurasian magpie, the Asir magpie has longer and stouter bill and legs, darker plumage with reduced white on the scapulars, and a black rump. Its voice is also distinct, "a mournful prolonged screech" and it also gives a loud "quaynk-quaynk" call.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Asir Magpie sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in February · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Black-rumped MagpiePica bottanensisThe black-rumped magpie is black-and-white, with its namesake black rump, brighter plumage, stouter bill, and shorter tail being the main distinctive features from the closely related Oriental and Eurasian magpies.
Maghreb MagpiePica mauritanicaThe Maghreb magpie is around 48 cm long, similar in plumage to the widespread Eurasian magpie, but with the distinct patch of vivid blue bare skin behind the eye and on the lower eye lid.
Oriental MagpiePica sericaIt is 45 cm long.
Learn the Asir Magpie for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.