Sri Lanka Blue Magpie

Urocissa ornata

Vulnerable and Sri Lanka-endemic. Travels in noisy family groups through wet-zone forest. Stunning and loud and very local.

Population: ~8,500–10,000 mature individuals, decreasing (IUCN Red List, 2025 global assessment; range 6,000–14,000)
Habitat: Tall, undisturbed wet-zone (primary) forest in the mountains, foothills, and adjoining lowlands of Sri Lanka, from below 150 m up to roughly 2,135–2,150 m elevation; higher occupancy/density in native than degraded forest
Fun fact: The Sri Lanka blue magpie removes irritating hairs from caterpillars by rubbing them against mossy branches before eating them, and — unlike most forest birds there — actively congregates near hiking trails hoping for handouts from visitors; it also mimics raptor alarm calls that other species recognize as danger signals.
Range: Endemic to Sri Lanka (wet zone only); not found anywhere else
Diet: Largely carnivorous — insects, frogs, and small lizards, plus fruit and occasionally eggs/nestlings; known to rub hairy caterpillars against mossy branches to remove irritating hairs before eating them
Size: 0.445 m

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