Rufous treepie

The rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) is a species of bird in the Corvidae (crow) family. The rufous treepie is native to the Indian Subcontinent and adjoining parts of Southeast Asia from Pakistan to Vietnam. Woodland, forest edges and gardens are the habitat of this species. It feeds on various fruits, insects and carrion.

  Distribution and subspecies 

The rufous treepie builds its nest 6−8 meters above the ground in trees. Both male and female take turns breeding and feeding the young. There are usually 3-5 eggs laid. After the young have hatched, the remain with their parents for several months. Rufous treepies form pair bonds for life.

The species was first described in 1790 by John Latham. A previous description as "Dendrocitta rufa" is not valid. It belongs to the Treepie genus Dendrocitta which is Southeast Asian in distribution. According to ornithologist Derek Goodwin, the rufous treepie may be closely allied to the hooded treepie (D. frontalis). There are eight recognized subspecies.
There are no estimates for the population of this species. It is common throughout its range, but rare in Vietnam.

 Description 
The Rufous Treepie is shorter and smaller than the European magpie. The head, neck and breast are grey, although sometimes they are slightly brown. The underparts and lower back are orange-brown. The tail is a light blue color with a black tip. The bill, legs and feet are black.

 Sources 
 Literature 
 Salím Ali, S. Dillon Ripley: Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. Volume 5: Larks to the Grey Hypocolius. Oxford University Press, London 1972.
 Joseph del Hoyo, Andrew Elliot, David Christie (Hrsg.):  Lynx Edicions, Barcelona 2009, .

 References 

Category:Corvids
Category:Birds of India
Category:Birds of Asia