The Indochinese green magpie, also known as the yellow-breasted magpie, is a small colourful bird native to the forests of China and Vietnam.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests from southern China through Vietnam, Laos, and adjacent parts of Indochina. Favors dense understory, bamboo thickets, and forest edges, often near streams or ravines. It uses mid-story tangles and lower canopy for foraging and nesting. Secondary growth and degraded forest with sufficient cover may also be used, though it is most common in mature forest.
Altitude Range
200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the yellow-breasted magpie, this striking corvid keeps to dense forest where it is often heard before seen. Its vivid green plumage can turn bluish in captivity if carotenoids are lacking in the diet. It is a skilled predator of small animals but also takes fruit, showing the flexible feeding typical of magpies.
Normal plumage with yellow underbelly
Indochinese green magpie
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, keeping to dense vegetation. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend small territories. The nest is a cup of twigs and rootlets placed in shrubs or bamboo, and both parents share feeding duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh chattering, rattles, and scolding calls typical of magpies, interspersed with whistles. It can be surprisingly varied and sometimes mimics other forest sounds.
