seychelles Magpie Robin

The Magpie Robin is an endemic resident to the Seychelles Islands and is now considered the rarest endemic bird in the Seychelles. The male and female are alike in their plumage and difficult to distinguish unless observing behavioural characteristics. Magpie Robins are territorial and defend their territory very aggressively. They breed throughout the year, laying a single egg in a tree hollow, in the crown of a coconut palm, or in a nest box put up especially for their use. The female incubates the egg while the male and juveniles protect the area around the nest from predators. Both parents feed the chick once it has hatched and will feed it for up to three months. Individual Magpie Robins can live for up to fourteen years.