Oriental Magpie Robin

The Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) known for its whistling sound is found across Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia^[1]. This bird is also known as the Asian Magpie Robin or Magpie Robin. The bird is found in scrub areas, open woodland and cultivated areas which are close to human habitations. You can also easily spot these birds in gardens with small trees. They are mostly found hopping on branches close to the ground and sometimes on the electric wires.

The appearance of the bird is clear black and white. The upperparts of the male is black and the underparts are white. The female has greyish upperparts and greyish white underparts. Both have longer tail which is held upright most of the time and sometimes while singing too. They are categorised as flycatchers mostly depended on insects for their daily food. Sometimes they are also found collecting food on ground such as earthworms and house geckos ^[2].

The Oriental Magpie Robin is the national bird of Bangaldesh. Doyel or Doel is the local name for this bird in Bangladesh. This beautiful little bird also has its place on the currency notes of Bangladesh ^[3]. In Dhaka University Campus there is an iconic sculpture known as Doel Chatter. It’s a sculpture
of two Oriental Magpie Robins. This area is also know as Doel Square.

Whenever, I had visited  the Konkan region of Maharahastra, I have spotted  this bird alone calling  the partner and sometimes in pairs too. It was interesting
to hear the whistling sound they make while calling their partner. If you spot
this bird, listen to their beautiful whistling sound. You will just love it.

Enjoy this black & white beauty of nature. Happy Birding 🙂

Here are some photos of Oriental Magpie Robin captured by me.

References:
1. Wikipedia – Oriental Mapgie Robin
2. A study on the habits of Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis by R.  Sreekar
3. The fascinating oriental magpie robin
4. Our Dhaka City

Read more on Indian birds
1. Birds of India – Part 1
2. Birds of India – Part 2
3. Indian Golden Oriole
4. Black-rumped Flameback Woodpecker
5. Common tailorbird
6. Green bee-eaters
7. Seagulls
8. Red-vented bulbul
9. Baya Weaver
10. Coppersmith Barbet the official Bird of Mumbai