The common treepie, or rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), is a highly adaptable and inquisitive bird belonging to the crow family, Corvidae. It was first formally described in 1790 by John Latham (1740–1837), an English physician, naturalist, and ornithologist often regarded as the “grandfather of Australian ornithology.
Primarily an arboreal omnivore, the common treepie feeds on insects and other invertebrates, small reptiles, bird eggs and nestlings, fruits, seeds, nectar, and occasionally carrion. It is also known to engage in a remarkable cleaning symbiosis with mammals such as the Sambar, removing ticks and other ectoparasites from their bodies. Sambar deer have even been observed standing still or adopting specific postures that allow the birds to inspect and clean hard-to-reach areas.
The species feeds on the nectar, fruits, and seeds of the Bombax ceiba, helping in pollination and seed dispersal. It also consumes the fruits of Trichosanthes tricuspidata, which are considered toxic to many mammals but can be safely eaten by these birds. In agricultural landscapes, the common treepie is beneficial to palm cultivation by preying on the larvae of the destructive Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, a major pest of coconut and other palm species.
Common treepies form strong pair bonds that often last for life. Both male and female share responsibilities for nest building, foraging, incubating eggs, and caring for their young. They are enthusiastic bathers, frequently using pools, puddles, and even rainfall to keep their plumage clean and in good condition.
Highly vocal, the common treepie possesses an impressive repertoire of calls, ranging from loud, harsh squawks and chattering notes to surprisingly melodious, flute-like whistles. One of its best-known calls is a hollow, resonant sound often transcribed as “bob-o-link” or “ko-tree,” making it one of the most recognizable voices in the forests, woodlands, and gardens of the Indian subcontinent.
-Vincent Vanur
