Javan green

magpie

Cissa thalassina

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IUCN Red List status:

Critically Endangered

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

Diet

Javan green magpies are CARNIVORES feeding primarily on large insects and lizards

Habitat

These beautiful birds are native to western Java in Indonesia and inhabit dense montane forests

Fun Fact

The black 'mask' on their face is raised when excited and used in mating displays

Fun Fact

A diet of insects, frogs and lizards gives the bird's feathers their BRIGHT and colourful feathers

This brightly coloured songbird is one of Indonesia’s most beautiful, but also most endangered and their numbers are rapidly decreasing. The Javan green magpie has a stunning and distinctive apple green plumage, but is born with blue plumage.

The blue plumage will turn green after their first moulting due to a pigment called lutein in their diet. Studies have proved that the vibrant, green feathers of the Javan magpie are important for attracting a mate for successful breeding.

Javan Green Magpies are endangered because of the illegal wildlife trade. Their unique song and striking plumage makes them a highly sought-after species in the songbird trade, and illegal trapping has caused wild population numbers to plummet.

There are fewer than 50 Javan green magpies remaining in the wild

Sing for Songbirds

We’re working on putting an end to this through our Sing for Songbirds campaign which helps support our partners at the Cikananga Conservation Breeding Centre, which Chester Zoo supports both financially and technically in Java. Help us to prevent the extinction of the Javan magpie

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NOW is the time to ACT FOR WILDLIFE. Conservation is CRITICAL; species are under threat. TOGETHER we can make a BIG difference. Take action TODAY and join us in PREVENTING EXTINCTION.

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