Racket-tailed Treepie

Overview

The racket-tailed treepie (Crypsirina temia) is an Asian treepie and member of the crow family, Corvidae. This species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Plumage: A velvety-black forehead of short, plush feathers, with the rest of the body an oily green colour that appears black in dim light.
• Markings: Long tail feathers that broaden at the end, black with a greenish tinge, matching the wings.
• Features: Turquoise-blue irises darkening towards the pupil to a deep or near-black centre, with a completely black bill, legs, and feet.
• Voice: Described as harsh and unattractive, with a frequently heard whining call.

Habitat

Found in southern Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Indo-China, Sumatra, Java, and Bali. It inhabits scrub and secondary growth, open fields, gardens, bamboo thickets, and open forest, often near villages.

Diet

The bird feeds almost exclusively on insects and fruit, moving through trees with great agility and using its remarkable tail as a balancing organ. It is arboreal and never feeds from the ground, though it may descend occasionally to bathe.

Did you know?

The species uses its remarkably broadened tail feathers as a balancing organ while moving through trees with great agility.