Cyanopica

Cyanopica is a small genus of passerine birds in the family Corvidae, commonly referred to as azure-winged magpies. The genus contains two living species: Cyanopica cyanus, the azure-winged magpie of East Asia, and Cyanopica cooki, the Iberian azure-winged magpie found on the Iberian Peninsula and nearby areas. The two are closely related and were long treated as a single species or as subspecies of Cyanopica cyanus until recent taxonomic revisions.

Physical characteristics: Both species are medium-sized and show blue coloration on the wings and tail, with darker heads and lighter underparts. They have strong bills and long tails, typical of magpies. Adults are social, often forming small flocks outside the breeding season, and are conspicuous for their vocalizations and foraging behavior.

Distribution and ecology: The Asian species C. cyanus occurs in temperate forests and woodlands across East Asia, including parts of China, Korea, and Japan. The Iberian species C. cooki is native to the Iberian Peninsula and nearby areas and has a more restricted range. Diet is omnivorous, including insects, seeds, fruit, eggs, and small vertebrates. Breeding involves cup-shaped nests in trees; clutch sizes range around 4–7 eggs, with both parents incubating and feeding the young. Conservation status is generally Least Concern, though habitat changes in some regions may affect local populations.