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Azure-winged Magpie in Beijing, China

on 9th November 2012

“There are 3 magpies to be found in Beijing. Two are common – the Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica) and the Azure-winged Magpie (Cyanopica cyana). The third is the Red-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) which I saw only twice with no images.
“Apparently the Chinese name implies ‘Happy Bird’ and these birds are important in Chinese culture. There are symbols of happiness and if you hear one sing (quite common for the Azure-winged Magpie) then it foretells happiness and good luck. So we must expect much blessing to come.

“The Manchurians consider them sacred, and, as they took over leadership in the latter part of Chinese history, these birds have possible done well unlike other species.

“…the Azure-winged Magpie was observed in late afternoon at the Temple of Heave Park, an extensive park with some open grounds in Beijing City, China. This magpie is a sweet, large bird that is common in most parks, usually in groups of 5-15. Rather vocal and visible but camera shy. Usually feeding on acorns or other pine nuts but will also take food thrown to them in parks by locals, especially rice (above right).

“We enjoyed them very much during our stay in Beijing.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
9th October 2012

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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