Taiwan blue magpie (Urocissa caerulea) mural for Miural Monday

 

At the base platform before the majestic Wulai Waterfall in Taipei, Taiwan, lies a magnificent mural sprawling across the ground—an artistic tribute both vast and intricate. Capturing its entirety proved a formidable challenge for me, given my modest stature. Yet what truly arrests the eye is the splendid depiction of Taiwan’s national bird, the Formosan Blue Magpie (Urocissa caerulea), rendered in vivid and graceful detail.

Known locally as the "long-tailed mountain lady" (長尾山娘), the Taiwan Blue Magpie is an endemic species celebrated for its striking cobalt plumage, elongated tail, and gregarious nature. These birds, often seen in social groups, inhabit the broadleaf forests of Taiwan’s mid-elevation mountains, where their intelligent behavior and bold presence have become symbols of vitality and resilience. In both indigenous lore and modern Taiwanese identity, the magpie holds an esteemed place, embodying a connection between the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The mural, in its grand design, captures not merely the form but the very spirit of this emblematic bird, echoing the lush canopies and mist-laden cliffs that surround Wulai. It is a tableau where nature, art, and national pride converge—a challenge to photograph, perhaps, but an indelible memory to behold. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday