White-winged Magpie

Urocissa whiteheadi

Crows, Jays, and Magpies · Passeriformes · Rare

The White-winged Magpie (Urocissa whiteheadi) is a rare crows, jays, and magpi found in 3 countries, weighing about 177 g. The white-winged magpie or Hainan magpie is a passerine bird of the crow family, Corvidae.

Near ThreatenedRareEats invertebratesforestplatform nest177 g

About the White-winged Magpie

The white-winged magpie or Hainan magpie 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.

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

Where it lives

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

What does a White-winged Magpie look like?
The white-winged magpie or Hainan magpie is a passerine bird of the crow family, Corvidae.
How big is a White-winged Magpie?
The White-winged Magpie is a medium sized bird weighing about 177 g.
Where can you see a White-winged Magpie?
The White-winged Magpie occurs in 3 countries, including Vietnam, China and Laos.
What birds look similar to a White-winged Magpie?
The White-winged Magpie is most easily confused with the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie and the Taiwan Blue Magpie.
Is the White-winged Magpie endangered?
The White-winged Magpie is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the White-winged 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 BeakBrain

Every 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.