New Birds in the Virginia Zoo Flock

The Virginia Zoo recently introduced three new bird species to our growing collection of feathered friends. Read on to learn more about these new species and the individuals who now call the Zoo home! 


Azure-Winged Magpie

Azure-winged magpies, Cyanopica cyanus, are songbirds named for their striking blue-gray wing and tail feathers. These birds are found in coniferous and broadleaf forests in East Asia, including China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia. As omnivores, they eat nuts, seeds (especially acorns), insects, and other birds’ eggs. As members of family Corvidae, alongside ravens and crows, azure-winged magpies are highly intelligent and social. They often forage for food in small family groups and congregate in large flocks during the breeding season.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species currently lists azure-winged magpie populations as Least Concern. However, their populations are decreasing due to habitat loss.

Mango the azure-winged magpie


In May 2026, the Virginia Zoo welcomed two male azure-winged magpies to Asia: Trail of the Tiger named Mango and Shepard. Mango is twelve years old and has an orange band on his right leg. Shepard is eight years old and has a blue band on his right leg. Mango is the more social of our two azure-winged magpies, and he can often be seen interacting with guests on the branches closest to the boardwalk! 


Don’t forget to say hello to Mango and Shepard on your next visit to our Asia: Trail of the Tiger Aviary! They can be found sharing the former tawny frogmouth space with our Temminck’s tragopans.

Shepard the azure-winged magpie


Temminck’s Tragopan


Temminck’s tragopans, Tragopan temmincii, are one of only five species of tragopan pheasants, and they are often regarded as one of the most beautiful. Males of this species have deep orange feathers with white spots covering their bodies and vibrant blue facial plumage. Males also have an inflatable wattle, or lappet, with red and blue markings used to attract the attention of females. Female Temminck’s tragopans have grayish brown feathers with white spots. 

This species is native to damp evergreen forests throughout China, India, Myanmar, and Vietnam with dense stands of rhododendron and bamboo. In the wild, this species eats berries, grasses, and other plant material. Unlike many other pheasants, these birds are described as quite shy and will nest in trees rather than on the ground. In the Himalayan portion of their range, Temminck’s tragopans are known to change their elevation to adapt to seasonal temperature changes.

Stevie the Temminck’s tragopan

The IUCN currently lists Temminck’s tragopan populations as Least Concern, but habitat loss, hunting, and capture for the pet trade all contribute to their decreasing populations.

The Virginia Zoo recently welcomed two female Temminck’s tragopans named Stevie and Nix. Stevie has a white band on her left leg, and Nix has a blue-gray band on her left leg. These lovely ladies just turned one year old on May 15, so be sure to wish them a happy belated birthday on your next visit to our Asia: Trail of the Tiger Aviary! They can be found sharing the former tawny frogmouth space with our azure-winged magpies.


Turquoise Tanager


Turquoise tanagers have deep blue and turquoise feathers across their head and neck, pale yellow plumage on their stomachs, and black feathers on their wings. Both males and females share this distinct coloration. Adults of this species are only approximately five to six inches long and weigh about twenty grams.

Although their scientific name is Tangara mexicana, this species is not actually found in Mexico. Turquoise tanagers are native to the tropical lowland forests of northern South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Guiana, and Peru, where they eat fruit and insects. Due to their large home range, the IUCN currently considers turquoise tanager populations to be of Least Concern. However, this species has been found in the illegal pet trade and populations are decreasing.

Spree the turquoise tanager

In their native habitat, turquoise tanagers typically live in groups consisting of three to ten individuals. Four or five individuals from the group help care for any juveniles. 

The World of Reptiles and Friends Conservatory recently welcomed one female turquoise tanager named Spree in May 2026. Spree hatched on September 18 last year, so she is almost nine months old. She is currently our only turquoise tanager, but she does have a yellow leg band for easy identification if we house more individuals in the future!

The Virginia Zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 4pm, so make sure to give our new birds a warm welcome on your next trip to the Zoo!

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