Bird · GBIF taxon 2482420
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
Urocissa ornataAlso known as Ceylon Magpie, Sri Lankan Magpie
Sri Lanka blue magpies move dynamically through the mid-story and canopy of wet-zone rainforests, traveling in noisy family groups of up to seven individuals. They produce a wide array of loud calls, including metallic bell-like tones and mimicry of other forest birds. Though extraordinarily nimble among branches, their short rounded wings make long sustained flights across open clearings difficult.
EndemicColorfulForest Dweller
Licensed reference(c) Thimindu Goonatillake, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Tree frogs
- Small lizards
Predators
- Black Eagle
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Besra
ThreatsHabitat loss, forest fragmentation, agricultural encroachment
HabitatsTropical primary wet-zone rainforests
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCorvidae
- SpeciesUrocissa ornata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Striking combination of a chestnut head and wings, deep blue body, and red bill with matching eye-ring.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from established forest paths without using recorded calls to lure birds.
Responsible observation
- Canopy Spotting: Listen for harsh chattering and bell-like calls to locate active groups high in the canopy.
- Trail Etiquette: Stick strictly to established park trails within rainforest reserves to avoid disturbing the understory.
Co-occurring Endemic 
Co-occurring Endemic (c) Loriculus_beryllinus_-Sinharaja_Forest_Reserve,_Sri_Lanka_-adult-8.jpg, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Koshy Koshy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-byClose Relative
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