A pretty little song bird which is instantly recognisable by its long tail.
They can also be found in Taiwan but there they are regarded as a bit of a pest because they like to eat local insects and they can be aggressive towards native birds.
They’re quite particular where they make their nests. If they can find an old hollow tree, then they’re happy!
Conservation
Asian songbirds, like the white-rumped Shama, are under huge pressure from deforestation and loss of their habitat. As well as losing their homes they are also victims of illegal capture for the pet trade, leaving forests silent. These birds are rooted in Indonesian culture, with pet birds symbolising a successful man. Captured songbirds are also used in singing competitions. Bird-singing competitions are national events, but this practise is driving them to extinction in the wild.
How can you help?
If you keep songbirds, ensure that you keep birds are captive bred and not taken from the wild.
Latin name
Copsychus malabaricus
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Muscicapidae
Conservation status
Least concern
Impress your friends with everything you know about the White-rumped shama!
In the wild they feed on small insects.
In Asia, they love dense undergrowth especially bamboo forests.