Oriental Magpie-Robin

Oriental Magpie-Robin

Scientific Name: Copsychus saularis

Malay Name: Murai-Kampung Biasa

Chinese Name: 鹊鸲

Range: Found from Indian subcontinent, China to Southeast Asia

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: saularis, ceylonensis, andamanensis, musicus, amoenus, adamsi, pluto.

Local Subspecies: musicus

Size: 19-21 cm

Identification: Male has glossy blackish head, upperparts and upper breast, white lower breast to vent and broad white wing-stripe. Female resembles male but black plumage replaced by dark grey. Juvenile resembles female but has dark greyish scales at upper breast.

Similar looking species: White-rumped Shama

Habitat: Forest edge, gardens, parks, wooded areas and mangroves.

Behaviour/Ecology: Forages in trees as well as on the ground where it hops with tail raised.

Local Status: Common resident and common introduced resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2021)

Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Dairy Farm Nature Park, Japanese Garden, Jurong Eco Garden, Pulau Ubin, Lorong Halus, Tampines Eco Green, Sungei Buloh any patch of suitable habitat.

References:

BirdLife International. (2021). Copsychus saularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T103893432A183088183.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

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