Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis)

Green magpies are a beautiful mid-sized songbird in the family Corvidae. The striking emerald green coloration of most of its body plumage is the result of yellow carotenoid pigments from dietary sources combined with the blue that is due to structural arrangement of the keratin in its feathers. Over time, in life and in museum drawers, the yellow pigment fades or wears away. Thus older feathers look turquoise blue. These birds have a bright orange-red bill, somewhat heavier than other corvids, and a strong black facial mask. Flight feathers are chestnut with faint barring. Bold white tips on black feathers decorate the tertiaries and underside of the tail. Green magpies are native to southeast Asia.