“I have occasionally seen adult Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis musicus) do this display (above), more often female than male. The tail is cocked up and over the body, then the wings are spread out and the bird tilts forward and then the tilt is reversed backwards.
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
ASL1600, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
A trail along primary montane forest
14th June 2011
Alexandra Class Freeman
I believe this is the solicitation display of the female. Has anyone confirmed that that is what you are documenting with your photos?
Amar-Singh HSS (Dato Dr)
Dear Alexandra
Appreciate your comments. This behaviour is recognized but its meaning is unclear. A common bird but behaviour still not adequately studied. The bird has even done it to me in my garden. It is considered some form of “signal behaviour” and possibly territorial.
Amar