The Andaman treepie is a species of bird in the family Corvidae. First described by Robert Christopher Tytler in 1863, it is endemic to the Andaman Islands of India, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Andaman Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and secondary lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, including forest edges and wooded plantations with mature trees. It favors the midstory and canopy, moving through dense foliage and along lianas in search of food. It also uses village groves and mixed agroforestry mosaics where large trees remain, but generally avoids heavily urbanized areas. Riparian woodland and sheltered valleys with continuous canopy are frequently used.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An insular member of the crow family, the Andaman treepie is restricted to the Andaman Islands of India. It is an agile canopy forager and a vocal bird, often betrayed by its harsh scolding calls and flashing wing patch. As an omnivore that eats fruits as well as insects, it likely contributes to seed dispersal in native forests. Its small range makes it especially sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties moving through the canopy. Builds a cup-shaped nest high in trees; both parents typically participate in nesting duties. Territorial during breeding but may join loose mixed-species flocks while foraging outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes harsh scolding calls, chattering series, and guttural croaks typical of treepies. Also gives softer whistles and mewing notes during contact and courtship.
Plumage
Sooty-brown head and mantle with warm rufous-brown underparts and wings; long, graduated tail that appears bluish-grey with a contrasting black terminal band. Conspicuous pale or white wing patch visible in flight. Overall sleek corvid build with dense, smooth plumage.
Diet
Eats a wide variety of insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and branches. Takes fruits and berries seasonally, and will opportunistically consume small vertebrates, eggs, and carrion. Occasionally hawks flying insects from perches and may probe bark and epiphytes for hidden prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the midstory and canopy of mature and secondary forests. Frequently works forest edges, clearings, and plantations with tall shade trees where food is abundant.
