The Formosan Blue Magpie (Urocissa caerulea), also called Taiwan Magpie, is a member of the Crow family. It is an endemic species living in the mountains of Taiwan at elevations of 300 to 1200m. Its name in Chinese means "Long-tailed mountain lady".

It is about the same size as the European Magpie, but with a longer tail. The head, neck and breast are black, the rest of the plumage on the bird is a rich dark blue to purple in color. It has white markings on the wings and the tail. The bill, feet and legs are red, and the iris is yellowish.

Usually found in groups of six or more, it appears to avoid any human disturbance and quickly moves away from such encounters. Its food is similar to that of others in the genus, taking a wide range of fruits and seeds, insects and other invertebrates. Wild figs and papayas appear to be a favorite.

The nest is usually in a tree or shrub and there are usually between three to five eggs laid. Both sexes build the nest and feed the young with only the female incubating them.

The voice is described as a high pitched cackling chatter, kyak-kyak-kyak-kyak.

External links

• Ka-shiang, Liu. "The Long-Tailed Fairy of the Forest: In Search of the Formosan Blue Magpie". Rhythms Monthly Magazine. (http://taipei.tzuchi.org.tw/tzquart/2003fa/qf2.htm)
• "Formosan Blue Magpie". Tawianese Government Information Office. (http://www.gio.gov.tw/info/ecology/English/animals_e/LowAnimals_e/LowAnimals13_e.htm)