four-luck magpie, Gan magpie,
Guest bird, Fei-bo bird, Jiang magpie
Features:
The Magpie is an immaculate bird with a black head, neck,
and long tail, and white plumage throughout the rest of its
body. The sharp contrast created between its black and white
feathers is the bird's most outstanding characteristic.
Behavior:
Magpies
are omnivores whose diet consists primarily of seeds, fruit,
fish, and meat. They are commonly seen on plains at low elevations.
Their breeding season falls between spring and summer, and
their nests-which are located near the tops of trees-are large,
plain, and open. Females typically lay a clutch of three to
five eggs that are green in color with light brown spots.
Magpies are alert and cautious by nature, with one bird usually
standing guard on a nearby tree while another nibbles at food
on the ground. When flying, Magpies simply flutter along slowly
in a straight line. Provincial Governor Yu Ying-jiang introduced
the species to Taiwan from southern China during the reign
of Qing Emperor Kang Hsi, especially increasing the population
of the birds in the Tainan area. As a result, Magpies are
also called "Jiang birds" and "Guest birds"
and are now a common household pet in Taiwan. Magpies are
also considered to be birds of fortune capable of bringing
good luck and happiness, hence the saying, "magpies bring
joy while crows bring sorrow."
Habitat:
Magpies
are common residents throughout Taiwan, though they are especially
prevalent in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, and the plains on the
southwestern part of the island.
