What does the red-billed blue magpie like to eat?
Expert Answer
The red-billed blue magpie is an omnivorous bird that feeds mainly on insects, while also eating plant fruits, seeds, corn, wheat, and other crops. When kept in captivity, you can use rice, corn, wheat, and plant fruits as their main food, and appropriately feed some insects for protein, such as locusts, grasshoppers, flies, crickets, beetles, and other insects. Note that red-billed blue magpies are not very friendly, especially during the breeding season, so keepers should avoid being attacked.
I've kept a red-billed blue magpie and they're omnivores, mine ate rice, corn, and fruit as base with insects like crickets and locusts for protein, exactly like the article says. They're smart and gorgeous but mean during breeding season, mine drew blood once, so I keep handling minimal then. They're not a beginner bird, the aggression is real. If you're thinking of one, know they need variety and respect, and a secure cage because they'll go for you when nesting. Mine thrived on the mix but the attitude is the part people underestimate.