Taiwan blue magpies travel in family groups, usually six to ten birds together. They fly low through the forest in a long line, one after the other, each tail sweeping along. From far away, the whole group looks like a row of dancing kites.
They are very loyal to each other. When one bird builds a nest, the others help. Older sisters and brothers - not yet old enough to have their own families - bring food to the chicks. This is unusual in the bird world. Most birds raise their babies alone.
Taiwan blue magpies are brave. If a snake or a larger bird comes too close to a nest, the whole family will mob it together, swooping and calling loudly until the danger goes away. They have been known to chase away animals far bigger than themselves.
In 2007, the people of Taiwan held a public vote to choose a national bird. The Taiwan blue magpie won. Today, you see paintings and statues of it in schools, on streets and on souvenirs all across the island.

