Copsychus albospecularis
The Madagascar Magpie-Robin, *Copsychus albospecularis*, is a striking and active passerine endemic to the island of Madagascar, making it a unique avian jewel. This medium-sized bird typically measures about 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length, including its long tail, and weighs around 21-30 grams. Its most distinctive field marks are its glossy black plumage, often with a blue or green sheen, contrasted sharply with prominent white wing patches and, in many subspecies, white underparts. Taxono...
This highly adaptable species inhabits a wide range of forest types, from humid evergreen to dry deciduous and spiny thickets, as well as degraded woodlands, plantations, and even urban gardens, from sea level up to 2,000 meters in elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, the Madagascar Magpie-Robin feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and caterpillars, which it typically forages for on the ground or by sallying from perches.
The Madagascar Magpie-Robin is a diurnal and conspicuous bird, often seen foraging on the ground or singing from prominent perches throughout the day. It employs a "run-and-stop" foraging strategy, pausing to scan for prey before pouncing, or sallying from a perch to catch insects in mid-air. Mal...
The Madagascar Magpie-Robin is found throughout the entirety of Madagascar, making it one of the island's most widespread and common endemic passerines. It occupies a diverse array of habitats from sea level along the coastlines up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters in the central highla...
Least Concern
- Endemic to Madagascar, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world, making it a true island specialist. - It exhibits significant sexual dimorphism that varies dramatically across its subspecies, with some female forms being notably different from males, ranging from duller black to entirely ...