The Oriental magpie-robin is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but now considered an Old World flycatcher. They are distinctive black and white birds with a long tail that is held upright as they forage on the ground or perch conspicuously. Occurring across most of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, they are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests. They are particularly well known for their songs and were once popular as cagebirds.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Common across the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and much of mainland and insular Southeast Asia. It thrives in urban gardens, village edges, parks, orchards, forest margins, and scrub. The species tolerates human presence and often nests in building crevices or other cavities near dwellings. It avoids dense interior rainforest but favors open woodlands and secondary growth.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The Oriental magpie-robin is the national bird of Bangladesh and is famed for its rich, melodious song. Males often sing from prominent perches, especially at dawn, and may mimic other species. They frequently cock and fan their long tails while foraging, a signature behavior. Formerly popular as a cagebird, it remains common in gardens and urban parks across much of its range.
Illustration from John Ray's Synopsis methodicam avium & piscium (1713)
Egg, from the collection of Museum Wiesbaden
Juvenile with scaly markings (Sri Lanka)
Doel Chattar, Dhaka
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories, especially during the breeding season. Nests are placed in cavities, holes in walls, or nest boxes, with both sexes participating in territory defense. Clutches are usually 3–5 eggs, and parents are attentive feeders of nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, fluty series of clear whistles and varied phrases delivered from exposed perches. Males sing most intensely at dawn and may incorporate mimicry of other birds. Alarm calls are sharper and more abrupt.
Plumage
Male glossy black above with white underparts, bold white wing patch, and white outer tail feathers; female is slate-grey to brownish above with duller contrast but similar patterning.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders, and worms. It occasionally takes small berries or nectar, especially in urban settings. Foraging involves ground gleaning, sallying from low perches, and probing leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in gardens, lawns, forest edges, thickets, and lightly wooded areas where low cover and open ground are interspersed. Often hunts from fences, posts, or low branches before dropping to the ground to capture prey.
