Bird Guide

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie

Urocissa ornata

VulnerableEndemicOmnivoreForestCup nestMedium · 196 g

About the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie

The Sri Lanka blue magpie or Ceylon magpie is a brightly coloured member of the family Corvidae, found exclusively in Sri Lanka. This species is adapted to hunting in the dense canopy, where it is highly active and nimble. Its flight is rather weak, though, and is rarely used to cover great distances. In spite of its ability to adapt to the presence of humans, it is classified as vulnerable to extinction due to the fragmentation and destruction of its habitat of dense primary forest in the wet zone of southern Sri Lanka.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The Sri Lanka blue magpie measures 42–47 cm (17–19 in) in length, which is larger than a mynah, but smaller than a crow. It has a sturdy bill. Its plumage is bright blue, with a reddish-brown or chestnut head, neck, and wing. The blue tail is long and graduated, with a white tip. The bill, legs, feet, and featherless eye ring of this species are all vibrant red. Both the male and female of the species share this description.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie lives

Regular range

When to see the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie

Peak activity in January · a winter visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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