The magpie-robins or shamas are medium-sized insectivorous birds (some also eat berries and other fruit) in the genera Copsychus and Trichixos. They were formerly in the thrush family Turdidae, but are more often now treated as part of the Old World flycatcher MuscicapidaeThe Magpie Robin's sad story is a parable of near extinction in Singapore. Magpie Robins were once widespread and common in Singapore, as they still are in Peninsular Malaysia. But they were nearly wiped out in Singapore. Happily, they have made a slow comeback through reintroduction efforts, although their status remains vulnerable. Sungei Buloh Nature Park is among the few strongholds on the main island for this delightful bird. They prefer open areas such as mangroves, gardens, cultivated areas. They are not found in the deep forest main island for this delightful bird. Magpie Robins breed in January to June. Males court females with hearty song, usually at dawn and dusk, moving their tails up and down in tune. They can be very territorial during breeding. They build their nests almost anywhere from thick shrubs, in the fork of branches of small trees, palms, hollow trees and even near human habitation: under a veranda, in a hole in the wall, in an old tin can, and in stables. Nests are usually built low. Their nests are large, untidy, shallow cups loosely made from grass or dried leaves, twigs, moss, roots. These are lined with fibres or grass. 3-5 eggs are laid, pale blue or greenish with brown or purple spots. The female incubates, but both raise the young.