This blue bird is about the size of a pigeon with the two central feathers of the tail 15 to 17 inches long. The head, neck and breast are black and undrparts greyish white. The tail feathers are tipped white. The bill and the legs are crimson. The mail and the female are alike. It is found throughout the Himalayas, upto an altitude of about 10,000 feet. This magpie is a common bird at all West Himalayan hill-stations. Its flight is noisy and slow, but with the long tail spread, a party in flight marks a charming spectacle.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India