- general description
- appearance
- the oriental magpie-robin is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive black and white plumage.
- males have glossy black upperparts, head, and throat with white underparts and a prominent white wing patch.
- females are similar but have a grayish-brown upper body instead of black.
- both sexes have long tails that are often held upright.
- size
- measures about 19-21 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 30-45 grams.
- behavior
- known for its melodious and varied song, often mimicking the calls of other birds.
- territorial, especially during the breeding season, with males singing to defend their territory.
- generally solitary or seen in pairs, it often forages on the ground for insects.
- habitat
- range
- widely distributed across south asia and southeast asia, including countries like india, bangladesh, sri lanka, thailand, malaysia, indonesia, and the philippines.
- environment
- inhabits a variety of environments including forests, gardens, parks, and urban areas.
- often found near human habitation.
- diet
- primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
- also consumes fruits and berries occasionally.
- breeding
- nesting
- builds a cup-shaped nest made of grass, leaves, and twigs, often placed in tree hollows, crevices, or man-made structures.
- nests are usually well-concealed and lined with soft materials.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies across its range but generally occurs during the warmer months.
- female lays 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the oriental magpie-robin was once a popular cage bird because of its singing ability.
- it is the national bird of bangladesh.
- this bird is highly adaptable and can thrive in various habitats, making it a common sight in both rural and urban areas.