Magpie Robin

Magpie Robins

The Madagascar Magpie-robin (Copsychus albospecularis) is endemic to Madagascar located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. This Magpie-robin inhabits lowland forests. They are thought to be sedentary. They are scattered throughout their range, but relatively common. Their numbers vary by habitat.

 

Diet:

Mostly feed on insects, such as cockroaches, orthopterans, bugs, adult and larval beetles, and ants), as well as spiders, small amphibians and geckos.

 

Three races have been identified:

  • Copsychus albospecularis albospecularis (Eydoux & Gervais, 1836) – Nominate Form
    • Range: Northeastern Madagascar
    • Size: Measures about 18 cm in length (from top of head to tip of tail) and weighs between 19-30.5.
    • Plumage: males mostly black, except for white shoulder patch and white fringes to the tail.
  • Copsychus albospecularis pica (Pelzeln, 1858)
    • Range: Northern, western and southwestern Madagascar
    • Measures about 18 cm and weighs between 19 and 30.5 g.
  • Copsychus albospecularis inexpectatus (Richmond, 1897 )
    • Range: Eastern and central to southeastern Madagascar

Madagascar Magpie Robin


 

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