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This is a common species found in most urban and forest environments throughout the country except in the deep wet zone forest. They are relatively common even within the city of Colombo. Globally distribution of this species is confined to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

The conservation of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna & Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No.22 of 2009.

The Magpie Robin is a gifted songster and the long melodious singing of the male during the breeding season is one of the most exquisite and pleasing bird calls in the country. These birds will nest in tree holes but will often breed in clay pots which are put up on walls of houses. They feed on vegetable matter as well animals such as worms, winged termites, insects, gecko and any other creature that they can kill. These birds are highly territorial, and a pair will not tolerate any intruders to their patch. The birds in my garden in Colombo love to feed on the left-over scraped coconut and sour bananas which is put out for the birds. Magpie Robins is one of the most familiar birds seen throughout the country. The highest altitude at which I have recorded this species is in the knuckles forest reserve at 1540 meters. It’s quite common in Nuwaraeliya

This is a very common species in and around Wilpattu.