Habitat use and population dynamics of the Azure-Winged Magpie ...

The IUCN lists Cyanopica cyanus as ‘least concern’ (BirdLife International, 2009). They
estimate about 260,000-460,000 breeding pairs present in Europe (Iberian Peninsula) and
3,250,000-27,600,000 individuals globally.
2.1.3 Climate and Habitat
The climate in Iberia is typically Mediterranean, with dry-hot summers and mild-wet winters
(Valencia et al., 2003; Canário et al., 2004). Precipitation is extremely variable year to year
(Valencia et al., 2002; Canário et al., 2004).
The Japanese population occurs in colder climates, with snow covering the ground from
December to early April. Temperatures in winter can reach -8°C (Komeda et al., 1987). In
Northern Mongolia, winter conditions can be more severe, with temperatures reaching -30°C in
January and snow covering the ground from early October to mid-April (Dulamsuren et al.,
2005). However, conditions are relatively stable within seasons compared to climate in the
Iberian Peninsula.
This species uses a wide range of habitats—from woodlands and forest edges to open cultivated
fields and orchards; they may even be found in city parks and gardens (e.g. Beijing Heavenly
Temple, China, pers. obs.). They are mainly found in lowlands and valleys, but can ascend to
1600 m in Japan (Madge & Burn, 1994; Snow et al., 1998). The Iberian population, in contrast to
those in Asia, shows no marked preference for broad-leaved trees, or for river banks and islands
(Snow et al., 1998).
2.1.4 Diet
C. cyanus feed on invertebrates especially beetles, seeds, fruits, and, more rarely, small
vertebrates, carrion, scraps and refuse (Madge & Burn, 1994; Snow et al., 1998). Hosono (1966)
reported bird nestlings in the diet (