About Copsychus albospecularis (Eydoux & Gervais, 1836)
The Madagascar magpie-robin, scientifically known as Copsychus albospecularis (Eydoux & Gervais, 1836), is approximately 18 cm (7 in) long and weighs between 21 and 24 g (0.74–0.85 oz). Its plumage differs between sexes. Males of the nominate subspecies have entirely black plumage with a white shoulder patch, while females have a grey-brown crown, back and tail, grey breast and throat, and rufous wings and rump. Males of the other two subspecies have more white coloring on the wings and a white abdomen, and females of the subspecies C. a. pica are much paler across the entire body. This species occupies most habitats available on the island of Madagascar, ranging from scrubland, dry monsoon forest, humid rainforest, forest edge, mangrove forests, and secondary growth, to various types of agricultural land including gardens, banana plantations, coffee plantations, and eucalyptus plantations. It occurs from sea level up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft) in elevation.
