Oriental Magpie

Pica serica

Aves › Passeriformes › Corvidae › Pica

The Oriental magpie is a species of magpie found from southeastern Russia to eastern China, Korea, Taiwan, and northern Indochina and Myanmar. It is also naturalised in Japan. Other names include Chinese magpie and Asian magpie. The scientific name serica means "silky [texture]" or "Chinese"; this is the original spelling, though sometimes erroneously "corrected" to sericea.

How To Identify

This medium-to-large magpie is known for its striking plumage, featuring glossy black feathers contrasted by brilliant white patches on the wings and tail. Males often display iridescent accents of blue and green around the nape.

Habitat

It typically inhabits open woodlands, cultivated areas, gardens, and scrublands across eastern Asia, particularly in China, Vietnam, and neighboring regions.

Behaviour

Oriental Magpies are highly vocal and social birds that often forage on the ground in small flocks, and they are known for their aggressive territorial defense during breeding season.

Native Range

The Oriental magpie is found from southeastern Russia to eastern China, Korea, Taiwan, northern Indochina, and Myanmar.

Did You Know?

Its scientific name means "silky [texture]" or "Chinese". The Oriental magpie is the national bird of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, replacing the Eurasian goshawk in 2023.

Create a free account to log your sightings of the Oriental Magpie, see where it has been recorded near you and build your Wild List.

Privacy · Terms · Impressum · Credits · About the beta