Department of Economic Development

The Taipei City Animal Protection Office would like to remind the public that the breeding season for Taiwan Blue Magpies occurs annually from March to July every year. During this period, parent birds may use aggressive behaviors such as pecking at the head and shoulders to drive away pedestrians in order to protect their fledglings. If people observe breeding behavior of the blue magpies, it is advised to be vigilant of the sky, consider taking alternative routes, or use hats and umbrellas to avoid being attacked. In the event of finding a fallen fledgling, it is recommended not to pick it up directly. Instead, maintain a safe distance and observe whether the parent birds are caring for it. If there is no parental care or if the fledgling appears injured, the public is encouraged to report it to animal rescue services by calling 1959 animal protection hotline.

The Taipei City Animal Protection Office informs that the Taiwan Blue Magpie, also known as the Long-tailed Mountain Lady, is characterized by a black head, a red beak, and a dark blue body. They inhabit forests or forest edges. Blue Magpies exhibit characteristics such as collectively caring for their offspring and defending against danger. Typically, the fledglings will leave the nest and follow the parent birds around 3 to 4 weeks after hatching. In recent years, due to habitat development and abundant urban resources, Taiwan Blue Magpies have increasingly had to coexist with humans in urban areas, leading to a rise in human-bird conflicts. During the chick-rearing process, if people encounter fledglings falling from the nest, there is no need to hastily pick them up. It is advisable to observe whether the parent birds can successfully assist the fledglings in returning to the nest. In case of an emergency, notifying the Animal Protection Office will prompt their personnel to handle and relocate the birds appropriately. Statistics from last year (2023) indicate that within the city, the highest number of Taiwan Blue Magpie conflict cases occurred in Neihu District, with a total of 7 reported incidents. When citizens report instances of Taiwan Blue Magpies displaying behaviors that drive away pedestrians, the Animal Protection Office adopts an “on-site conservation” approach. The Office posts notices in the vicinity, reminding people to avoid breeding areas and suggesting the use of umbrellas or hats for protection when passing by. Additionally, citizens are urged to refrain from picking up fallen fledglings and contribute to a collaborative effort of creating a friendly ecological environment for the Taiwan Blue Magpies.

The Animal Protection Office emphasizes that the Taiwan Blue Magpie is a legally protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Act. Removing nests or fledglings and directly attacking Taiwan Blue Magpies violate the relevant regulations of the Wildlife Conservation Act. Engaging in harassment, abuse, hunting, or killing of these birds may result in a maximum prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of up to NT$1 million. Citizens are strongly advised not to take the law into their own hands.