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Oriental Magpie Robin – display/behaviour

on 25th October 2011

“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

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

2 Responses

  1. I believe this is the solicitation display of the female. Has anyone confirmed that that is what you are documenting with your photos?

    1. 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

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