White-Rumped Shama

copsychus malabaricus

The White-Rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus) is a legendary songbird celebrated worldwide for its incredibly rich, flute-like melodies and remarkable mimicry. Native to the dense, shaded understories of South and Southeast Asian forests, this sleek, long-tailed member of the Old World flycatcher family has also captivated aviculturalists for centuries. Despite its shy nature in the wild, its powerful voice makes it unmistakable. Males boast stunning contrasts of glossy blue-black, rich rufous orange, and a signature white patch on the lower back that flares dramatically during flight. Known for their highly territorial behavior, they are fierce defenders of their leafy domains. Their introduction to places like Hawaii has also allowed global birders to experience their captivating presence outside their native range, cementing their status as one of the avian world's most accomplished and beloved vocalists.

Habitat: Found in the dense understory of broadleaf tropical forests, secondary growth woodlands, and bamboo thickets, typically close to the forest floor.

Appearance

Males are easily identified by their striking plumage, featuring a glossy jet-black head, back, and wings, contrasted sharply by a rich orange-chestnut belly and breast. Their most defining features are an exceptionally long, graduated black tail with white outer feathers and a bright white rump patch that is highly visible when they fly or display. Females are noticeably duller, showing grayish-brown upperparts and a shorter tail. Both sexes possess a slender, dark bill, large dark eyes, and pinkish legs, measuring about 21 to 28 centimeters in total length including the impressive tail.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMuscicapidaeGenusCopsychus

White-Rumped Shama

Interesting facts

Due to their incredible singing abilities, they are highly sought-after in Southeast Asia for competitive songbird contests, where owners vie for massive cash prizes.

The white rump patch that gives the bird its name acts as a visual 'flash' signal to warn family members of approaching predators in dark forest depths.

Their introduction to Oahu, Hawaii, in 1931 was so successful that they are now one of the most common forest songbirds across the main Hawaiian islands.

Special abilities

Possesses an incredibly complex song and can mimic other birds, environmental noises, and even human whistling with flawless accuracy.

Uses its long, expressive tail as a rudder to make sharp, precise turns while darting through dense tropical foliage and tangled vines.

Performs dynamic visual displays by raising and fanning its long tail to expose white feathers, serving as a warning to rival males.

Measurements & details

Length: 21+ cm
Wingspan: 30+ cm
Weight: 0.028+ kg
Lifespan: 5+ years
Top Speed: 35 km/h
Clutch Size: 3+
Incubation: 12+ days

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feeds on a wide variety of insects and other terrestrial invertebrates, supplemented occasionally by berries or small fruits.

Primary Foods

Caterpillars
Termites
Earthworms
Spiders
Fallen berries

Foraging Method

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