White-Rumped Shama
Copsychus malabaricus
DescriptionThe White-rumped Shama is a songbird with a rich set of loud and melodious songs and notes. They are also known to imitate the calls of other birds. The White-rumped Shama feeds on fruit and insects, such as grasshoppers, termites, grubs, and caterpillars.
General: 9 to 11 inches in length.
Adult Male: Shiny dark blue-black head, neck, upper breast, back, wings, and tail. Chestnut colored belly. White rump and outer tail feathers. Long tail. Black bill. Pinkish legs.
Adult Female: Similar to male, except is gray instead of black, has a shorter tail, and is duller in general.
Immature: Similar to female, except has brown or grayish plumage, a spotted breast, and white wing bars.
Native to southern Asia. Introduced to the Hawaiian Islands (Kaua‘i - 1931), (O‘ahu - 1940), and (Maui - latter part of the 1900’s).
Nesting3-5 white to light aqua eggs with reddish-brown spots. The eggs have a 12-15 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 12-13 days. The nest is built by the female and consists of roots, leaves, ferns and stems. The nest is typically built near the ground in undergrowth or low trees of lush lowland broadleaf forests or foothills, especially in bamboo and teak forests.
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