June 14, 2020 - Seychelles Magpie-Robin (Copsychus sechellarum)

Found only in the Seychelles, these Old World flycatchers nearly went extinct in the 1960s, with a population of 12 to 15 birds living on a single island at the time. Due to conservation work, the population in 2015 had grown to 283 living on five islands. They eat insects, other invertebrates, fruit, and some small vertebrates, including fish dropped by seabirds, and lizards. They build nests from grasses and fibers in tree cavities, nest boxes, or the tops of coconut palms. Though their population has increased significantly in the last few decades, they are classified as Endangered by the IUCN and still face threats from invasive species, diseases, and habitat shifting due to climate change.

September 15, 2019 - Oriental Magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis)

These Old World flycatchers are found across most of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China in open woodlands and cultivated areas. They mostly eat insects, including crickets, beetles, ants, and dragonflies. Males often sing melodious songs from exposed perches, sometimes mimicking other birds’ calls, while females occasionally sing short songs to males. Nesting in cavities in trees, walls, or buildings, lined with grass, females do more of the chick care while males defend the nest.

Oriental Magpie Robin by V.Aravinthan on Flickr.

Oriental Magpie-robin by Ingeborg van Leeuwen on Flickr.