The azure-winged magpies, with their grey-brown back, blue wings and a long blue tail, are distinctive birds that belong to the crow family. But they are also similar to common magpies in overall shape and are commonly found in Beijing, which is home to hundreds of bird species.
The azure-winged magpies usually live in broad-leaved forest, parks and urban residential areas. They mainly feed on insects, fruits and seeds. They are commonly seen in small groups, and often found foraging together with starlings, common blackbirds or other small crows.
Like common magpies, the azure-winged magpie is regarded as lucky birds in China. But unlike the common magpie who moves on the ground in a way similar to that of a crow, the azure-winged magpie usually jumps like a sparrow and rarely walks. And don't be bowled over by their gentle and pretty appearance, the bird is actually aggressive and steals other birds' eggs.
Here are some photos of the azure-winged magpies taken in Beijing.
An azure-winged magpie stands on a branch. / Photo by Ding Qian
The azure-winged magpie's breeding period is from May to July. In this photo, an azure-winged magpie chick is standing on a branch. The photo was taken this July. / Photo by Ding Qian
A little azure-winged magpie. / Photo by Ding Qian
About 'City of Wild'
Nature is not limited to faraway mountains and oceans, it also exists in urban cities and our daily lives. In the series, "City of Wild," CGTN not only unfolds a world of wildlife you were probably not aware of, but also highlights the theme of this year's CBD COP 15: Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.
For more:
City of wild: The cute sparrows in Beijing
City of wild: Inconspicuous birds with really beautiful melodies
City of Wild: Lovely hoopoes in Beijing
City of wild: Milu deer cool off from the Beijing summer
City of Wild: A pair of spotted doves making home in downtown Beijing
City of Wild: Vigilant white-cheeked starlings in Beijing
City of Wild: Hollyhocks bloom in Beijing summer
City of Wild: Crape myrtle blooms in Beijing's summer
City of Wild: Feeling worried? Let orange daylily drawn your sorrows!
City of Wild: The light-vented bulbuls in Beijing
City of Wild: Mandarin ducks doze off in Beijing
City of Wild: The star-like balloon flowers bloom in Beijing
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)