Madagascar Magpie-Robin vs White-rumped Shama

Madagascar Magpie-Robin

Copsychus albospecularis

Small23 gForest

The Madagascar magpie-robin is around 18 cm (7 in) in length and weighs 21 to 24 g (0.74–0.85 oz). The plumage varies by sex; the male of the nominate subspecies has all-black plumage with a white shoulder patch and the female has a grey-brown crown, back and tail, grey-breast and throat and rufous wings and rump. The males of the other two subspecies have more white of the wings and a white abdomen; the female of C. a. pica is much paler overall.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: (c) Nigel Voaden, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by

White-rumped Shama

Copsychus malabaricus

Small29 gForest

They typically weigh between 28 and 34 g (1.0 and 1.2 oz) and are around 23–28 cm (9–11 in) in length. Males are glossy black with a chestnut belly and white feathers on the rump and outer tail. Females are more greyish-brown, and are typically shorter than males. Both sexes have a black bill and pink feet. Juveniles have a greyish-brown colouration, similar to that of the females, with a blotchy or spotted chest. Voice: The voice of this species is rich and melodious which makes them popular as cage birds in South Asia with the tradition continuing in parts of Southeast Asia. It is loud and clear, with a variety of phrases, and often mimics other birds. They also make a 'Tck' call in alarm or when foraging. The earliest known recording of bird song was made of an individual of this species in 1889 by Ludwig Koch.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: MIMI · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Madagascar Magpie-Robin and White-rumped Shama.