Magpie Robins have a varied diet of fruits and animals but are particu larly
fond of insects and worms. They forage in trees as well as on the
ground, where they hop with their tail raised. They also sip nectar.
They prefer open areas such as mangroves, gardens, cultivated areas.
They are not found in the deep forest.
Magpie Robins have a delightful varied song and are said to be able
to imitate the calls of other birds. They are sprightly and lively,
often cocking their long tails. They are easy to spot as they are not
shy and sing from exposed perches. Sometimes, they may abruptly sing in
at night!
Breeding: Magpie Robins breed in January to June. Males court females
with hearty song, usually at dawn and dusk, moving their tails up and
down in tune. They can be very territorial during breeding. They build
their nests almost anywhere from thick shrubs, in the fork of branches
of small trees, palms (at the base of the palm frond), hollow trees and
even near human habitation: under a veranda, in a hole in the wall, in
an old tin can, and in stables. Nests are usually built low. Their nests
are large, untidy, shallow cups loosely made from grass or dried leaves,
twigs, moss, roots. These are lined with fibers or grass. 3-5 eggs are
laid, pale blue or greenish with brown or purple spots. The female
incubates, but both raise the young.
Migration? Magpie Robins don't migrate.
Status and threats: They continue to be trapped for the caged-bird
trade. |
