Azure-winged magpie

    Cyanopica cyanus

Castilian: Rabilargo

Catalan: Garsa blava

Gallego: Pega Azul

Euskera: Mika urdina

CLASIFICACIÓN:

Orden: Passeriformes

Family: Corvidae

Migratory status: Permanent resident

CONSERVATION STATUS:

On the National List of Threatened Species, it appears in the “Of Special Interest” category. In the 2004 edition of the Red Book of Spanish Birds (Libro Rojo de las Aves de España) it is listed as “Not Evaluated”.

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THREATS

Its primary threats are the loss of forest areas it needs to nest and the threat of extermination it faces because of the damage it causes to crops and other species that are sought after by hunters.

Length / size: 34-35 cm / 38-40 cm

Identification: Medium-sized bird with a long tail (up to 20 centimetres long). There is a sharp contrast between its black pointed hood and its white throat; its wings and tail are a very eye-catching sky blue; and its back and breast are a paler brown colour. Groups of several specimens are easily seen.

Song: It has a variable, repetitive "krrrrrrrrr" call that often sounds like an alarm call.

Diet: Its food sources vary depending on the season. Its diet is basically composed of large quantities of insects, grapes, figs, cherries, and other wild or cultivated fruits. It also searches for scraps in landfills.

Reproduction: The breeding period begins in April. The pair builds the nest where branches fork using roots, mud and feathers. The female is responsible for incubation and both parents feed the chicks. They usually nest near other azue-winged magpies, cooperating to detect predators and threats.

HABITAT

It occupies a wide variety of forest areas with a preference for open areas with grasslands, oak groves and pine forests that are not too thick.

DISTRIBUTION

In Spain: It is unevenly distributed in the central and southern areas of the peninsula: Extremadura, western areas in Castile-La Mancha, and Andalusia.

In Castile and León: It distribution in the north does not extend past Burgos, and the River Duero marks its northwest boundary. It breeds in all the provinces except León.

Movements and migrations: It is a sedentary nesting species. It can make small migrations without abandoning its breeding area.

POPULATION

In Spain: There is an estimated population of 250000-360000 breeding pairs.

In Castile and León: There is an estimated population of 5000-8000 breeding pairs.