Asir magpie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asir magpie |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Corvidae |
| Genus: | Pica |
| Species: |
P. asirensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Pica asirensis Bates, 1936
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The Asir magpie (Pica asirensis), also called the Arabian magpie, is a special bird. It is found only in Saudi Arabia. These magpies live in the high Asir Mountains in the country's southwest. They make their homes in forests of African juniper trees, often in green valleys. Sadly, the Asir magpie is an endangered bird. This means very few are left in the wild.
Scientists once thought the Asir magpie was a type of Eurasian magpie. But a scientific study in 2018 showed it is a unique species. This study found it is closely related to the black-rumped magpie from the Tibetan Plateau. Both birds have a black rump, which is different from other magpies in their family.
Today, only about 270 adult Asir magpies are known to be alive. Their numbers are still going down. They face big problems like losing their natural homes and changes in the climate.
Contents
What Does the Asir Magpie Look Like?
The Asir magpie is a medium-sized bird. It is about 45 to 46 centimeters (about 18 inches) long. It weighs between 200 and 240 grams (about 7 to 8.5 ounces). Its head, neck, back, and front chest are black. Its lower back (rump) and feet are also black.
This magpie has bright white shoulders and a white belly. Its tail is black and shimmers with purple and bronze-green colors. The Asir magpie has a longer, stronger beak and legs than the Eurasian magpie. It also has darker feathers with less white on its shoulders. A key difference is its black rump.
The Asir magpie has a unique voice. It makes a sad, long screech. It also has a loud "quaynk-quaynk" call. Young Asir magpies look a bit duller than adults. They do not have the white patch on their shoulders. Their wing and tail feathers are also less shiny.
Where Do Asir Magpies Live and What Do They Eat?
Where Do Asir Magpies Live?
Asir magpies mostly live in high places. They are usually found between 2,400 and 3,000 meters (about 7,900 to 9,800 feet) above sea level. They prefer thick, shady forests of African juniper trees. Sometimes, they live in mixed forests too. These birds often choose slopes that face south. They avoid very steep slopes or areas close to people. However, you might sometimes see them looking for food near roads. They can also live at slightly lower altitudes, around 1,800 meters (about 5,900 feet).
Asir magpies usually live in pairs. They also form small groups, often with up to seven birds. These groups are likely family members.
What Do Asir Magpies Eat?
The Asir magpie eats many different things. This means it is an omnivorous bird. What they eat changes with the seasons. When they are raising their young, they mostly eat insects, like caterpillars. During other times of the year, they eat seeds. This includes berries from juniper trees and figs. Sometimes, they visit picnic spots to eat food scraps left by people. These scraps might include boiled rice or fruit.
Why Is the Asir Magpie Endangered?
The Asir magpie is a critically endangered bird. As of 2026, only about 270 adult birds are left. Their living area has shrunk a lot. When scientists first found the Asir magpie, it lived in an area about 400 kilometers (250 miles) long. This stretched from Tayif in the north to Abha in the south.
Threats to Their Home
Today, most Asir magpies live in small areas of juniper and acacia forests. These areas are mainly found in a 37-kilometer (23-mile) strip of highlands. This strip is between An-Namas and Billasmar. Their homes are being broken into smaller pieces. This happens because of new buildings for tourism and cities growing bigger. When their homes are split up, birds from different areas cannot mix and have babies. This makes it harder for the species to survive.
The Importance of Good Food
Another problem is that Asir magpies sometimes eat human food waste. This food often does not have enough nutrients for them. Not getting enough good food can make them unhealthy. This could even lead to the species disappearing. Protecting their natural forests and ensuring they have healthy food sources are very important steps to help these unique birds survive.
See also
- Asir Mountains, Sarat range
