White-rumped Shama Thrush
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Family: Muscicapidae
Order: Passeriformes
Class: Aves
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The White-rumped Shama typically weighs between 28 and 32 grams (1-1.2 ounces) and measures around 25 centimeters (10 inches) in length. These birds have a slim build and long tails with graduated feathers. Males are a shiny black with a brown belly and white feathers on the rump and the outermost parts of the tail. Females are generally smaller than the males, and have a more grayish brown coloration with a light colored belly. Both males and females have a black bill along with pink legs and feet. Juveniles have shorter tails and a more grayish or brownish coloration similar to that of females, along with a blotchy chest. A special characteristic of the White-rumped Shama is its melodious song, which also makes it uniquely recognizable. Other unique characteristics of this animal include its distinct pattern of white feathers on the rump and outer tail feathers as well as its repetitive behavior of sudden raising and gradual lowering of the tail.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT:
The geographic distribution of the White-rumped Shama in its native habitat includes several countries in Southern Asia: India, Nepal, Burma, Sri Lanka, Andaman Islands, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, China, Indonesia and Thailand. This animal was introduced to Kauai in 1931, Oahu in 1940, and Maui in the latter part of the 1900s. They tend to nest near the ground in undergrowth or low trees of lush lowland broadleaf forests or foothills, especially in bamboo and teak forests.
BEHAVIOR:
The White-rumped Shama feeds on the forest floor during twilight hours. They are very territorial, and the size of the tail may determine the size of the territory, with larger tailed birds having larger territories. Territories include a male and female pair during the breeding season with the males defending the territory. Males and females may possibly have separate territories when not breeding, as captive non-breeding males have been observed showing aggression towards females. The White-rumped Shama is a famous songbird with wide-ranging songs and notes which are loud, melodious and shrill. They are known to imitate the calls of other birds. Females are less vocal than the males and sing in association with breeding. Males, females and young make a rough clicking Tck sound when in distress or while flying over open areas. These birds are monogamous and breed between March and August during or after rainy seasons when food is more plentiful, such as during the monsoon season in India. Breeding also may possibly be triggered in reaction to the length of the day, as the days are longer at this time of the year. During courtship, males pursue the female, alight above the female, give a shrill call, then flick and fan out their tail feathers. This is followed by a rising and falling flight pattern for both the male and female, and more frequent fanning displays by the male with the tail tucked. Females not wishing to mate threaten the male, gesturing with their mouth open. These birds are generally timid and out of sight, and are mainly active in the morning and evening when they may be seen in flight or perching on limbs.
DIET:
The White-rumped Shamas diet consists of insects (such as grasshoppers, termites, grubs, caterpillars) and fruit. The young are mainly fed insects and earthworms.
REPRODUCTION AND GROWTH:
These birds may be more prolific during the peak of the breeding season or with the second clutch of the season. Those with a better food supply are also more prolific. There may be 1-2 clutches per breeding season, and each clutch may contain 3-5 eggs. Parental behavior includes both male and female participation. The female builds a nest of roots, leaves, ferns and stems. Incubation lasts between 12-15 days and may be conducted by the female parent or by both parents. Brooding is done by females between 5 and 7 days. One egg is laid per day, yet all eggs usually hatch on the same day during the morning hours. The eggs are white to light aqua with many reddish-brown spots, and measure approximately 17 by 22 millimeters (0.7 by 0.9 inches). Hatchlings are blind and featherless. The eyes open after 6 days and feathers are completely developed after 11 days, during which time the juveniles begin to preen. Both parents participate in the removal of feces from the nest and the feeding of the young. In one study, the survival rate was approximately 70% in the first 10 days after hatching and the fledgling survival rate was between 65-83%, with greater success in the second brood. There is a greater mortality rate during the last days prior to fledgling. During the first eight days, hatchlings nearly double in weight each day. This is followed by a significant drop in the growth rate. By the 10th day, nestlings generally measure between 70-80% of the weight of an adult. Fledgling occurs 12-13 days after hatching, and juveniles may feed independently by the 26th day after fledgling.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
The estimated population size is unknown, though these birds are common with major populations in Southeast Asia and the Hawaiian Islands.
SUGGESTED READING:
Aguon, Celestino Flores. The Breeding Biology of the White-Rumped Shama, Copsychus malabaricus, on Oahu. Masters Thesis. Honolulu: University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1988.
Ali, Salim and S. Dillon Ripley. Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan: Together with Those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Volume 8. Bombay: Oxford University Press, 1973.
Berger, Andrew, J. Hawaiian Birdlife. Honolulu: The University Press, 1972.
INTERESTING WEB SITES:
Birds of the World on Postage Stamps: 1998. White-rumped Shama www.bird-stamps.org/species/130082.htm
(Mahalo to Leeward Community College's Zoology 101 Class for their contribution)
