Oriental Magpie-Robin

The Oriental Magpie-Robin is a species of bird that is highly popular among bird enthusiasts today. These birds are typically medium-sized and belong to the genera Copsychus sensu lato and Enicurus.

Previously, the magpie-robin was classified under the family Turdidae, but now it is considered part of the family Muscicapidae.

In the wild, these birds typically inhabit forested areas and gardens in Africa and Asia. Their diet mainly consists of grasshoppers, insects, and other small creatures. Some species also feed on berries and various fruits found in the wild.

Characteristics of the Oriental Magpie-Robin:

What are the key characteristics of this bird? Here are some notable features:

Appearance and Behavior: The Oriental Magpie-Robin is a medium-sized bird, not too small and not too large. Its body typically ranges from 15 to 19 cm, including the tail. The bird has strong, sturdy legs, which allow it to stand firmly and move nimbly from branch to branch. It also has a long, sharp beak and round, dark eyes. The male bird often combines its song with various movements to attract the female. Some common behaviors include wing displays and tail fanning, while the bird sings and dances. These unique characteristics make the bird very interesting to observe.

With changes in temperature and humidity, the bird’s feathers also change. New feathers grow, pushing out the old ones. The bird’s plumage can account for up to 20% of its body protein.

Song: The Oriental Magpie-Robin is known for its beautiful, melodious, and clear song, making it highly popular among bird lovers. Typically, the birds rest from around 12 to 1 pm and after 11 pm. During these quiet times, the male bird will express itself more freely and comfortably around the female. The bird’s song is so pure and sweet that it can overpower the sounds of other birds if they sing at the same time.

Breeding Behavior: The Oriental Magpie-Robin typically breeds from spring to early summer, from January to early May. To determine if a female is ready to breed, observe the change in the color of her feathers. The brownish patches on her body become darker, and white spots turn into a reddish hue.

The nest is typically built in hidden, secure places like rocky hollows, wall cracks, or dense grass patches to ensure the safety of the eggs while the female forages for food.

Typically, each pair of magpie-robins lays between 2 and 5 eggs, though in some cases, there may be slightly more. The eggs are oval-shaped and range from 1.3 to 1.5 mm in size. The shells are light blue or pink, speckled with brown spots.

The female usually incubates the eggs for about 14 days before they hatch. After about 30 days, the chicks begin to resemble the female, with brown speckles on their chests. After 3 months, the young magpie-robins mature and are able to fly and forage for food independently.