About the Oriental Magpie-Robin
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. The males 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This species is 19 centimetres (7.5 in) long, including the long tail, which is usually held cocked upright when hopping on the ground. When they are singing a song the tail is normal like other birds. It is similar in shape to the smaller European robin, but is longer-tailed. The male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch. The underparts and the sides of the long tail are white. Females are greyish black above and greyish white under. Young birds have scaly brown upperparts and head.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in South Korea.
When to see it
Peak activity in February · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
White-rumped ShamaCopsychus malabaricusThey typically weigh between 28 and 34 g (1.0 and 1.2 oz) and are around 23–28 cm (9–11 in) in length.
Madagascar Magpie-RobinCopsychus albospecularisThe Madagascar magpie-robin is around 18 cm (7 in) in length and weighs 21 to 24 g (0.74–0.85 oz).
Philippine Magpie-RobinCopsychus mindanensisThe Philippine magpie-robin is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae.
Side by side: Oriental Magpie-Robin vs White-rumped Shama
Learn the Oriental Magpie-Robin for real
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