The Oriental magpie is a species of magpie found from south-eastern Russia to eastern China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and northern Indochina and Myanmar. Other names for the Oriental magpie include Korean magpie and Asian magpie.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Russia through northeastern and eastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and into northern Indochina, with some introduced or localized urban populations in parts of Japan. It favors open woodlands, forest edges, agricultural lands, and urban parks with scattered trees. The species readily uses hedgerows and riparian corridors and often nests in tall trees near human settlements. It is generally sedentary, making local movements in response to food availability.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Oriental magpie is a bold, intelligent corvid recognized by its striking black-and-white pattern and long, iridescent tail. It is largely non-migratory and adapts well to human landscapes, thriving in farmlands, villages, and cities. Like other magpies, it caches food and shows complex problem-solving behaviors.
Temperament
bold, inquisitive, and territorial
Flight Pattern
steady wingbeats interspersed with short glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs that defend territories during the breeding season. Nests are large, domed stick structures placed high in trees, often with a thorny canopy. Outside breeding, small groups and loose neighborhood flocks may form, and communal roosting is common.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and varied, dominated by harsh chatters and rattling scolds. Also gives whistles and buzzy calls, especially during territorial displays and alarm.
Plumage
Glossy black head, back, and breast with a white belly and shoulder patches; wings and long graduated tail show metallic blue-green iridescence.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that eats insects, spiders, earthworms, small rodents, eggs and nestlings, carrion, grains, seeds, and fruit. It will also take human food scraps where available. The species often caches surplus food in shallow ground or leaf litter for later use.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly on the ground in open areas such as fields, lawns, and roadside verges, often near shrubs or trees for cover. In urban habitats it patrols parks, gardens, and waste sites, and also searches along hedgerows and field edges in rural landscapes.
