Azure-winged Magpie

Common name for a 31 to 35 centimeter tall bird in the crow family, with the scientific name Cyanopica cyana. It has a black hood, a white throat, whilst the underparts and back are light off-white to grey in colour, and the wings and the feathers of the long tail are −apart from the white tip− azure blue. This species occurs over much eastern Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia, where inhabits various types of conifers, especially pine trees, as well as broadleaf forests, including parks and gardens. Azure-winged Magpies often occur in groups (fig.), which at times may even form large flocks. See also WILDLIFE PICTURES. 回