Oriental Magpie-Robin

About

The Oriental Magpie-Robin is a small passerine bird that was formerly classified as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now considered an Old World flycatcher in the family Muscicapidae. They are distinctive for their black and white plumage, long tail, and melodious song. They are common in urban gardens as well as forests.

Size & lifespan

Length

19-23 cm

Wingspan

28-32 cm

Weight

29-42 g

Lifespan

5-8 years in the wild

Diet

Insectivore, occasionally consuming nectar, small geckos, leeches, centipedes, and fish

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Males have glossy black upperparts, head, and throat, with a prominent white shoulder patch and white underparts from the breast down. The outer tail feathers are white, contrasting with the black central tail feathers. Females are duller, with greyish-black upperparts and head, and greyish-white underparts. The white shoulder patch is less prominent or absent in females.

Beak shape

Slender, pointed, and black

Eye color

Dark brown

Leg color

Black

Distinguishing features

The striking black and white plumage, especially the white shoulder patch (more prominent in males), and the upright posture with a frequently cocked tail are key features. The long tail is often fanned or held cocked.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are similar to females but have a brownish tinge to their plumage, especially on the head and back, and often have buffy mottling or scaling on the breast and throat. The white shoulder patch is less defined.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year, though wear and tear can make it appear duller before molting.

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced. Males are glossy black and white, while females are duller greyish-black and greyish-white. The white shoulder patch is larger and brighter in males.

How to identify

1. 1

   Plumage Pattern

   Look for the distinct black and white pattern. Males have glossy black upperparts and head, white underparts, and a prominent white shoulder patch. Females are similar but duller greyish-black and greyish-white.

2. 2

   Tail Movement

   Observe its tail, which is often held cocked upwards and frequently fanned or flicked, especially when foraging or agitated.

3. 3

   Song

   Listen for its loud, clear, and melodious song, often delivered from a high perch. It's a complex series of whistles and trills, sometimes mimicking other birds.

4. 4

   Foraging Behavior

   Watch for its characteristic ground-foraging style, hopping and running on lawns or open ground, pausing to scan for insects.

5. 5

   Habitat

   They are commonly found in human-modified environments like gardens, parks, and cultivated areas, making them relatively easy to spot near human habitation.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, scrublands, agricultural areas, urban gardens, and parks.

Geographic range

Widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), though most common in lowlands.

Preferred environments

Prefers open woodlands, cultivated areas, gardens, and human-modified landscapes with scattered trees and shrubs. They are highly adaptable to urban environments.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Forages primarily on the ground, hopping and running to catch insects such as ants, termites, beetles, caterpillars, and crickets. They also hawk insects in flight and occasionally consume small vertebrates or fruit.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. They are territorial and will defend their breeding grounds.

Flight pattern

Flight is typically short, undulating, and low to the ground. They often fly between perches or across open spaces with rapid wing beats.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, with some local movements in response to food availability or habitat changes. No significant long-distance migration.

Territoriality

Highly territorial, especially males during the breeding season. They use their song and displays to defend their territory against rivals.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Primarily February to July, varying slightly by region.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically built in tree hollows, crevices in walls, old buildings, or artificial structures like nest boxes. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of grass, roots, leaves, and hair, lined with finer materials.

Clutch size

3-6 eggs, usually 4-5.

Egg description

Eggs are pale blue to greenish-blue, speckled with reddish-brown or purplish-brown spots, particularly at the broader end. Typically oval-shaped.

Incubation period

11-14 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

12-14 days after hatching, both parents feed the young.

Parental care

Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young. The male often continues to feed the fledglings while the female may begin a second clutch.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for their song. Their distinctive and loud song is often the first indication of their presence, especially at dawn and dusk.
2. Look on the ground. They spend a significant amount of time foraging on the ground, so scan lawns, pathways, and open areas under trees.
3. Check prominent perches. Males often sing from high, exposed perches like treetops, utility wires, or antenna.
4. Observe tail movements. The frequent cocking and fanning of their tail is a characteristic behavior that helps in identification.

Similar species

Quick facts

Scientific Name:

Copsychus saularis

Family:

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)

Diet:

Mainly insects

Habitat:

Gardens, parks, open woodlands

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Sexual Dimorphism:

Present (males brighter)

Migration:

Resident

Fun facts

• The Oriental Magpie-Robin is the national bird of Bangladesh, where it is known as the 'Doel'.
• Males are known for their elaborate and varied songs, often incorporating mimicry of other bird species.
• They are highly adaptable and thrive in urban environments, often nesting in man-made structures.
• Despite their robin-like appearance, they are not closely related to European or American Robins, belonging instead to the Old World flycatcher family.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Muscicapidae

Genus

Copsychus

Species

Copsychus saularis

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