To say that the Red-Billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythroryncha) is a spectacular bird is a bit on an understatement.
The head, neck, and chest are black with blue and white spotting on the crown. The shoulders and rump are a duller violet-blue, and the underparts are a greyish cream. The long tail is a brighter violet-blue with a broad, white tip. The bill is a bright orange-red, as are the legs and feet.
The body of the bird is about the same size as an Eurasian Magpie - but has a significantly longer tail. This species is found in a broad area of Northern India, and extends into South East Asia and China.
These individuals - which provided the best opportunity to photograph this species during my Indian trip - were seen from the hide at the Birders Den in Sattal in Uttarakhand.
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the blue link below.
Cheers and best wishes to all of you. SM
What a glorious tail!
ReplyDeleteAmazing captures of this beautiful bird, Stewart.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteFabbulous photos and fabulous magpie.That tail is impressive.
All the best
Sonjia.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteMy word, that's a fine feathered fellow! Nicely captured - you surely did well on this recent trip, Stewart! YAM xx
Thank you Stewart. That is a striking bird!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an impressive bird Stewart. Great shots of it Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a great week ahead
ReplyDelete