Rufous Treepie

Dendrocitta vagabunda

Also known as: Indian Tree Pie, Kutum Pakhi, Rufous Tree Pie

About This Species

A noisy, conspicuous bird of open woodland, farmland edges, and gardens across South Asia, often seen hopping along branches or the ground in small, vocal groups. Its harsh, chattering calls usually give away its location before it comes into view, and it is bold enough to visit fruiting trees and feeders close to houses. Active and easy to spot year-round, though early morning brings the most calling activity.

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

This is a common, adaptable species that tolerates people well, but keep a respectful distance of several metres and avoid approaching active nests, which are often built in tree forks in gardens.
Wildlife protection laws vary considerably across its South Asian range, with some countries offering general bird protection and others limited legal cover, so treat any nesting bird with caution regardless of local statute.
Do not attempt to handle or feed it by hand, which can habituate it in ways that cause problems later.

LCAvesPasseriformesCorvidae

Seasonal Activity

596,001 sightings · 2000–2026

Citizen science records via GBIF

All monthsThis month

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae

Photo

CC-BY-SA-4.0

Occurrence data from GBIF.