Latin Name: Copsychus saularis Category: Flycatchers, Chats

Description: Male: glossy blue-black and white; white wing-patch and white in outer tail distinctive; glossy blue-black throat and breast; white below. Female: rich slaty grey, where male is black. A familiar bird of India. Solitary or in pairs, sometimes with other birds in mixed parties; hops on ground, preferring shaded areas; common about habitation; when perched, often cocks tail; flicks tail often, especially when making short sallies; active at dusk; remarkable songster, very rich voice.

This bird moves about singly or in pairs. It is one of the most familiar birds about Indian villages and is found in cultivated areas and open woodlands and frequents human habitation surroundings. Several of these birds have been visiting my garden during the last month or so. The Oriental Magpie-Robin is shy, silent and unobtrusive during non breeding season, generally hiding and rummaging in shrubbery.

Habitat: forests, Greenery areas