Rufous treepie

The rufous treepie, a captivating member of the crow family (Corvidae), inhabits the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Its distinctive long tail and loud, melodious calls make it a noticeable presence. This bird thrives in diverse habitats, ranging from open scrubland and agricultural fields to forests and urban gardens, thanks to its adaptable and omnivorous disposition.

Visually, the rufous treepie is quite striking. It boasts a cinnamon-colored body, a black head, a bluish-grey tail with a black tip, and a white patch on its wings. Depending on their location, these birds may exhibit slight variations, with several subspecies recognized based on geographical and physical differences.

You can encounter the rufous treepie throughout mainland India, the Himalayas, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. They favor open forests, scrublands, plantations, and gardens. In the Himalayas, they even undertake seasonal migrations, ascending and descending the mountains.

When it comes to diet, rufous treepies are not choosy. They consume fruits, nectar, seeds, invertebrates, small reptiles, bird eggs, and even nestlings. They are agile foragers and often collaborate with other bird species to hunt. Interestingly, they play a vital ecological role by controlling pest populations and aiding in palm cultivation by preying on harmful insects.

The breeding season in India spans from April to June. During this period, rufous treepies construct their nests in trees or bushes and typically lay 3-5 eggs. They are also renowned for their varied vocalizations, with calls that sound like "bob-o-link" and "ko-tree." However, they face challenges, including hosting various parasites such as protozoans, trematodes, and mites.