Passeriformes / Corvidae / Pica
Black-rumped Magpie
Pica bottanensis · 青藏喜鹊
Introduction
A monotypic magpie species in the genus Pica, formerly classified as a subspecies of the Eurasian magpie before being recognized as a distinct species in 2018. It is a sister taxon to the Asir magpie. The species inhabits west-central China and central Bhutan, primarily in low-altitude farmland, parks, and semi-open habitats. It exhibits monogamous pairing and builds massive domed nests.
Description
Black-and-white plumage with bluish-green iridescent highlights on the wings and tail. Distinctive features include a black rump, brighter plumage, a stouter bill, and a shorter tail compared to related magpies. Flanks and central underparts are white. Wing length ranges from 233–250 mm (9.2–9.8 in) for females and 241–259 mm (9.5–10.2 in) for males. Tail length is approximately 250 mm (9.8 in).
Identification
Distinguished from Oriental and Eurasian magpies by its black rump, brighter plumage, stouter bill, and shorter tail. Wings and tail are black, faintly glossy, and tinted greenish-blue. Vocalizations include a subdued, warbling song audible only at close range, often interrupted by high-pitched notes, and a typical call described as a raucous, explosive rapid chatter.
Distribution & Habitat
Found in central Bhutan, extending to Qinghai, western Sichuan, and eastern Tibet in west-central China. Inhabits farmland, farming districts, parks, gardens, and other semi-open habitats. Uncommon at high altitudes but observed up to 4,800 m (15,700 ft), with nests recorded at 4,400 m (14,400 ft).
Behavior & Ecology
Monogamous, forming long-term pairs that persist across seasons. Social birds encountered in pairs, family parties, or communal roosts of up to 30 individuals. Nest construction begins in late March by both sexes using twigs and plant fibers to build massive domed structures, sometimes atop older nests. A single brood of 3–6 eggs (usually 4–5) is laid from April to June. Diet is carnivorous, consisting mainly of invertebrates, lizards, small mammals, frogs, other birds, and carrion. Feeds primarily on the ground by side-hopping with tail held upwards; occasionally perches on cattle and sheep to feed on ectoparasites.
Conservation
Classified as Least Concern by BirdLife International, which currently considers it a subspecies of the Eurasian magpie.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Corvidae
- Genus
- Pica
Distribution
eastern Himalayas to southeastern Tibet and western China (Qinghai and Xinjiang)
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
