The ratchet-tailed treepie is a species of bird in the crow and jay family Corvidae. The species is also known as the notch-tailed treepie. It is monotypic within the genus Temnurus.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia and Hainan Island
Typical Environment
Found in lowland and foothill evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and bamboo thickets across parts of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, eastern Thailand, and China’s Hainan Island. It favors dense understory and mid-canopy layers and often forages along streamside vegetation and thickets. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and selectively logged forest, though it remains most common where cover is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking corvid is the only species in the genus Temnurus and is also known as the notch-tailed treepie. Its long tail has stiff, notched outer vanes that give a serrated, ‘ratcheted’ outline. It often keeps to dense mid-story vegetation and may join mixed-species foraging flocks in forest edges and secondary growth.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and often associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are placed in trees or dense shrubs; pairs are presumed monogamous with shared parental care. Birds move nimbly through mid-story tangles, frequently flicking and fanning the tail.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are varied and harsh, including chatters, grating rattles, and nasal calls. It also gives sharp scolds and buzzy notes, often delivered from cover.
