Oriental Magpie-Robin

In Malay, the Oriental Magpie-Robin is known as Murai Kampung.

The ‘magpie’ part of its name refers to its bold black and white colouration.  The ‘robin’ part comes from the belief that it is related to thrushes (family Turdidae).  Modern DNA analysis has found it to belong to the Flycatcher family (Muscicapidae) but the common name is unlikely to be changed as most links with past records would be lost.

Like the Pied Triller, it is the males which are black and white, females are more grey and juveniles are more brown.  In birds the males generally stake out a territory and advertise to the females.  Hence, having bold colouration is an advantage for the males. However it comes at a cost.  They are more likely to be seen and killed by a predator.  Thus the more subdued colouration of the females and juveniles.

Unlike pied trillers (which are generally found in the upper third of a tree), magpie-robins are often on or near the the ground.

This bird was looking for grasshoppers.  A while later it caught one.

This bird was singing on an exposed perch.  When it heard the noise of the zoom lens it turned its head and looked directly at the camera.