270 mm., generally over 250 mm.; tail from 250 to 300 mm.; tarsus 56 mm.; culmen about 80 to 85 mm.
Distribution. Sikkim, Bhutan and East Tibet to Kansu.
Nidification. This fine Magpie breeds both in Sikkim and South and East Tibet at heights over 10,000 feet and up to nearly 15,000 feet. The nest is similar to that of the Common Magpie but is often placed comparatively low down in thorn-bushes. The eggs number from four to six in a full clutch, and are rather dark as a series but otherwise like those of other species of Pica. They are very big and forty-eight eggs average 38·7 x 26·7 mm.
The birds breed from early April, when there is still snow about, through May and rarely, possibly a second time, in June.
Habits. Similar to those of other birds of the genus.
Genus UROCISSA Cabanis, 1850.
The genus Urocissa contains a few brightly plumaged Magpies which are found in India and China. They differ from the true
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Fig. 10.—Head of U. m. occipitalis.
Magpies in having the nostrils, which are covered by rather soft plumes, not by stiff bristles, situated near the base of the bill; in having a longer tail and a bill which is red or yellow but never black.
Key to Species.
| A. |
Bill red. Nuchal white patch large, reaching to the end of the black on the hind neck
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
U. melanocephala, p. 40. |
| B. |
Bill yellow. Nuchal patch small, not reaching to the end of the black
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
U. flavirostris, p. 43. |
Urocissa melanocephala.
Key to Subspecies.
| A. |
Patch on the head pale blue
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
U. m. melanocephala, p. 41. |
| B. |
Patch on the head pure white.
|
| a. |
Bill smaller, under 33 mm.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
U. m. occipitalis, p. 41. |
| b. |
Bill larger, over 33 mm.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
U. m. magnirostris, p. 42 |
