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.
