The white-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus) is a small passerine bird of the family Muscicapidae. Native to densely vegetated habitats throughout Thailand.

Even for a non-birder such as myself, the white-rumped shama is quite easy to photograph in Thailand and is a resident species found in most national park locations. They are very territorial and can be quite the bully if you are sitting at a hide and other smaller birds are showing an interest in your chosen spot. The shama, especially males, will often attempt to swoop in and see other birds off. The are very confident and also relatively noisy. Their voice is loud and clear, with a variety of phrases, and often mimics other birds. They also make a 'Tschicking' call (see video below) in alarm or when foraging and this is often the first sign that they are close by. Some of the songs are quite melodious and have their own beauty.

Some Common data regarding the species:

Size: 21 to 28 cm

Identification: Male has glossy blue-black head, upperparts and upper breast, orange-rufous rest of underparts, conspicuous white rump and long blackish tail. Female resembles male but blue-black plumage replaced by dark grey and has shorter tail. Juvenile resembles female but has buff speckles on upperparts and dark scales at throat and upper breast.

Habitat: Forest, forest edge and wooded areas upto 1500 m.

Behavior/Ecology: Forages mainly on the ground amongst leaf litter.

Local Status: Common resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

Male White-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus)

The drabber female White-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus) 

An example of one the female White-rumped shama's (Copsychus malabaricus) 'Tschicking' call, with some displaying, can be heard and seen in the video below:

White-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus) from Wildlife Thailand on Vimeo.