The common green magpie, Cissa Chinensis, is a member of the crow family, roughly about the size of a Eurasian Jay or slightly smaller. The magpie is known for stealing any small shiny object it sees. They are also quite aggressive towards other small songbirds. These two characteristics have connected the magpie with bad luck in some cultures.

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The striking emerald green coloration of most of its body is the result of yellow pigments from dietary sources combined with the blue that is due to structural arrangement of the keratin in its feathers. Over time, the yellow pigment fades away. Thus older feathers look turquoise blue. These birds have a bright orange-red bill, somewhat heavier than other corvids, and a strong black facial mask. Bold white tips on black feathers decorate the underside of the tail. This bird has red fleshy eye rims with a red bill and legs.  Making the Green Magpie even more striking are the reddish maroon wing primaries.  

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The Green Magpie can be found in the lower Himalayas, in north eastern India all the way down to central China, Malaysia, Sumatra and the north western areas of Borneo. They usually live in evergreen or bamboo forest clearings or scrub brush. Magpies are very territorial birds and tend to live most of their lives in the same area. They roam in pairs and once mated, will remain monogamous throughout their entire lives.

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Springtime is a time of mating for the Magpies. The male of the species will rapidly raise and lower their head feathers, lift and open up their tails in a fanlike stance and emits a soft sound that is quite unlike their normal chattering. They will also attempt to attract the females with short fast flights and chases as a part of the courtship ritual. They make their nests in trees, in clumps of vines, or large shrubs. They usually have from four to six eggs.

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If you would like to see one of these phenomenal birds, you can visit the Birdhouse DC Zoo. As you can see, the common green magpie is a very beautiful, amazing, and aggressive bird.

Author: Brooklyn V

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Sources:

Wikipedia

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