Red-Billed Blue Magpie

Pangot is not far away from Nainital, the Indian hill-station locate in the Kuamon Himalaya of Uttarakhand. Pangot is a quiet hamlet where one can enjoy great views of the Himalayan ranges. It is frequented by birders and photographers.

Resident of the Himalaya and North East India, the red-billed magpie, like the yellow-billed magpie are mostly seen in pairs. But this one was solitary. I was in a hide when this one flew down to a smallish puddle for an afternoon shower. It has a orange-red bill and a brighter turquoise mantle and wings.

It is a treat to watch the magpies as they hop from one branch to another. It forages the forest, dwellings and the resort I stayed, with agility and nonchalance. When they fly in together, they can cause quite a flutter as they troop in breaking the cold crisp air and the silence of the Himalaya.