Hainan Magpie
Urocissa whiteheadi
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-winged_magpie
Overview
The white-winged magpie or Hainan magpie is a passerine bird of the crow family, Corvidae. It is unusual among the members of its genus in that it is black and white, lacking the blue plumage other Urocissa magpies have. Thus, it is sometimes placed in its own monotypic genus, Cissopica, though it appears to have sufficient features to remain in the genus Urocissa.
There are two subspecies, the nominate whiteheadi being found in Hainan and xanthomelana found in southern China, northern Vietnam, and north and central Laos. The two subspecies are distinctive and may merit specific status; further research is needed.
The Hainan Magpie faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range on Hainan Island, China. Agricultural expansion, urban development, and logging have dramatically reduced the species' forest habitat, while its small population size makes it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.
Other threatened species in Corvidae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Hainan Magpie classified as Endangered?
Where does Hainan Magpie live?
What are the main threats to Hainan Magpie?
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