Oriental Magpie-Robin

It has been a while since I last blogged. Have been spending my time taking photos of birds in Singapore. Thus, I am restarting my blog by featuring the many variety of birds that I have photographed.

Let me begin with the Magpie Robin - "the robin is a delightful bird to observe as it is active and tends to be found in open areas near human habitation. It is also a well-known song bird possessing a repertoire of calls ranging from a loud melodius song to a mournful rising whistle and even an alarm note best described as a harsh che-ee. When it sings, it is conspicuous, as it loves to exercise its musical talent from exposed perches." (BIRDs seen at the ISTANA, 2005)

photo: male Magpie Robin (Botanic Gardens)

Its habitats range from the mangroves to gardens and parks. It drops to the ground for insects, worms and small vertebrates. I took these two photos at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Both are male - distinguished by a glossy black head, breast and upper parts with a blue tinge. The rest of the underparts are white while the tail is black with white outer feathers. There is a also a prominent bold white wingbar. (Females are more subdued grey and cream with a white wingbar)

A common bird in the past, the population of Oriental Magpie plummeted due to its ease of capture and its attractive singing voice. Popular as pets, its melodius calls are music to the ears. Attempts have been made in recent years to reintroduce birds in certain areas and this appears to be successful.