The blue magpie is one of the most beautiful and intelligent birds belonging to the crow family which is an endemic species of Sri Lanka. This magnificent bird can be often spotted in groups across the rainforests of Sri Lanka.
How can you spot one?
The adult bird has most of its body covered in feathers of blue shades while some parts of its body, the head, neck, throat and upper breast, and also the primary and secondary flight feathers are reddish-chestnut coloured with the bill and the legs that are red. As the blue magpie is elaborately coloured it can be spotted easily.
Where do they live? And spotting them
Speaking of its habitat, the blue magpie prefers to live in undisturbed forest lands of the hill and lower wetlands. If you’re staying in a hotel in Dambulla which is surrounded by forests; like the Heritance Kandalama which is also located near these regions you have a high chance of spotting these marvellous bird species during your stay.
What do they eat?
The bird is an omnivore and it often feeds on invertebrates such as large insects and caterpillars, small lizards and tree frogs. It also consumes some fruits and berries too.
Breeding and behaviour
The breeding season occurs from mid-January to late March. The female lays 3-5 eggs and both male and female build the nest. While the female incubates the eggs the male used to be on guard and when the eggs are hatched both parents take turns to feed their young.
Other facts
The Blue Magpie is a shy bird and due to deforestation and wildfire the species is classified as vulnerable species and are at the risk of becoming endangered.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+