The rufous treepie is a treepie, native to the Indian Subcontinent and adjoining parts of Southeast Asia. It is a member of the crow family, Corvidae. It is long tailed and has loud musical calls making it very conspicuous. It is found commonly in open scrub, agricultural areas, forests as well as urban gardens. Like other corvids it is very adaptable, omnivorous and opportunistic in feeding.
Region
Indian Subcontinent and Myanmar
Typical Environment
Found widely across Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and west Myanmar in a range of wooded and semi-open habitats. It favors open forests, scrub, groves, plantations, farmlands with scattered trees, and urban parks and gardens. The species is common around villages and city edges where tall trees and food are available. It also uses riparian corridors and edges of dry deciduous forests.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A member of the crow family, the rufous treepie is bold, adaptable, and often conspicuous around human habitation. Its loud, varied whistles and harsh scolds frequently alert other birds to predators. It readily exploits diverse food sources, from insects and fruit to scraps, and often joins mixed-species mobs to drive away raptors.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often moving methodically through tree canopies and edges. They build cup nests in mid to upper tree branches; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Known to mob raptors and to forage alongside other species in edge habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied repertoire of loud, musical whistles mixed with chattering scolds. Calls carry far and are frequently used as alarm signals in the landscape; the species can also mimic snippets of other sounds.
