General

White-rumped Shama: Native to Southeast Asia. Glossy blue-black head, nape, back, and upperbreast. Wings and tail are black. Rump and outer tail feathers are white, belly and lowerbreast are rufous. Bill is black. Sexes are similar, female has shorter tail, is not glossy, and is more dull in color. Juvenile has brown upperparts with cinnamon spots and two wingbars, underparts are pale and mottled. Rump and outer tail feathers are white, tail close to full length after one month.

Range and Habitat

White-rumped Shama: Introduced to Kauai in 1931, Oahu in 1940 and Maui in the late 1900s in an effort to supplement the native fauna. They are commonly found in valley forests and on the ridges of the southern Ko'olaus. Indigenous to southeast Asia, India, and some Indonesian Islands.

Breeding and Nesting

White-rumped Shama: Three to five pale blue-green eggs, heavily marked with red-brown splotches, are laid in the cavity of a tree. Incubation ranges from 13 to 15 days and is carried out by the female. Chicks fledge 12 to 13 days after hatching.

Foraging and Feeding

White-rumped Shama: Forages on the ground or among low branches. Primarily feeds on insects and earthworms, occasionally eats fruit.

Vocalization

White-rumped Shama: Song is loud, clear, and melodious, males sing throughout the year, females sing during breeding season. Known to mimic other species. Responds to disturbances with a "tck" call.

Similar Species

White-rumped Shama: Not likely to be confused with any other species.