Rufous-tailed Shama

Tentang

The Rufous-tailed Shama (Copsychus pyrropygus) is a medium-sized passerine bird known for its striking rufous tail and dark plumage. It is a shy, forest-dwelling species endemic to the Sundaic region, often found foraging in the undergrowth. Its melodious song is a characteristic sound of its habitat.

Ukuran dan masa hidup

Panjang

20-22 cm

Bentang sayap

28-32 cm

Berat

25-35 g

Masa hidup

5-8 years in the wild (estimated)

Makanan

Insectivore

Ciri fisik

Bulu

Adults are predominantly glossy black or dark grey on the head, back, and upperparts. The most distinctive feature is the bright rufous (reddish-brown) rump and tail, which is often held cocked. The underparts are dark grey to black, sometimes with a slightly paler belly. There is a small white patch on the wing, visible in flight or when wings are slightly spread.

Bentuk paruh

Slender, pointed, and slightly decurved black beak, adapted for catching insects.

Warna mata

Dark brown.

Warna kaki

Dark grey to black.

Ciri pembeda

The bright rufous rump and tail are the key distinguishing features. The overall dark body contrasting with the rufous tail is unmistakable within its range. The small white wing patch is also a useful field mark.

Penampilan muda

Juveniles have a duller, browner plumage compared to adults, often with faint mottling or scaling on the breast. The rufous tail is present but may be less intense. They lack the glossy black of adults.

Perubahan musiman

No significant seasonal plumage changes are noted for this species.

Dimorfisme seksual

Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though females may be slightly duller overall with less glossy black and a slightly less vibrant rufous tail. Males tend to be marginally larger.

Cara identifikasi

1. 1

   Rump and Tail Color

   Look for the unmistakable bright rufous (reddish-brown) rump and tail. This is the most definitive field mark.

2. 2

   Overall Plumage

   Note the glossy black or dark grey head, back, and underparts, providing a strong contrast with the rufous tail.

3. 3

   White Wing Patch

   Observe for a small, often subtle, white patch on the wing, which can be visible when the bird moves or in flight.

4. 4

   Habitat and Behavior

   Listen for its melodious song from dense undergrowth in lowland rainforests. Its shy, secretive nature and preference for low vegetation are also good indicators.

5. 5

   Size and Shape

   It's a medium-sized shama, with a relatively long tail that is often held cocked.

Habitat dan persebaran

Bioma

Tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests.

Persebaran geografis

Endemic to the Sundaic region, found in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Rentang ketinggian

Typically found in lowlands, from sea level up to approximately 800 meters, occasionally higher.

Lingkungan yang disukai

Primary and secondary lowland rainforests, often in dense undergrowth, bamboo thickets, and areas with tangled vegetation. They prefer shaded, humid environments near streams or damp areas.

Perilaku

Waktu aktivitas

Diurnal, most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Kebiasaan makan

Primarily insectivorous, foraging on the forest floor or in low vegetation. They glean insects, spiders, and other invertebrates from leaves, bark, and leaf litter. They may also occasionally take small fruits.

Perilaku sosial

Generally solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. They are quite shy and secretive, often heard before they are seen.

Pola terbang

Short, rapid flights between dense cover. They are not strong, sustained fliers and prefer to hop and run through the undergrowth.

Pola migrasi

Resident and non-migratory throughout its range.

Teritorialitas

Territorial, especially during the breeding season. Males will defend their territory through song and occasional aggressive displays.

Reproduksi

Musim kawin

Varies geographically, but generally between March and August, coinciding with the rainy season and abundant insect availability.

Kebiasaan bersarang

Nests are typically cup-shaped, constructed from leaves, moss, rootlets, and fibers, lined with finer materials. They are usually placed low in dense undergrowth, in a tree hollow, or among tangled roots, well-concealed.

Jumlah telur

2-3 eggs.

Deskripsi telur

Typically 2-3 eggs, pale blue or greenish-blue with reddish-brown spots and blotches, particularly concentrated at the larger end.

Masa inkubasi

Approximately 12-14 days.

Masa terbang

Chicks fledge around 12-14 days after hatching.

Perawatan orang tua

Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.

Di mana ditemukan

Tips lapangan

1. Listen for its song. The Rufous-tailed Shama is often heard before it is seen. Learn its distinctive, melodious song to locate it. Once heard, approach slowly and patiently.
2. Scan dense undergrowth. This species prefers to stay hidden in thick vegetation close to the ground. Focus your observation on the lower strata of the forest.
3. Be patient and quiet. They are shy birds. Remain still and quiet for extended periods in suitable habitat, and they may eventually reveal themselves.
4. Look for movement. Watch for subtle movements in the leaf litter or low branches as they forage for insects.
5. Visit early morning or late afternoon. These are typically the most active times for foraging and singing.

Spesies serupa

Fakta singkat

Common Name:

Rufous-tailed Shama

Scientific Name:

Copsychus pyrropygus

Family:

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers and Chats)

Diet:

Insectivore

Habitat:

Lowland rainforests, dense undergrowth

Geographic Range:

Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo

Conservation Status:

Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)

Distinguishing Feature:

Bright rufous rump and tail

Fakta menarik

• The 'Kucica Emas' name in Indonesian translates to 'Golden Shama', likely referring to the striking rufous (golden-brown) color of its tail.
• Despite its striking coloration, its shy nature and preference for dense undergrowth make it a challenging bird to observe, often only glimpsed briefly.
• Its melodious song is highly regarded and contributes significantly to the soundscape of the Sundaic rainforests.
• The species is considered an indicator of healthy, undisturbed lowland forest ecosystems.

Klasifikasi ilmiah

Kerajaan

Animalia

Filum

Chordata

Kelas

Aves

Ordo

Passeriformes

Famili

Muscicapidae

Genus

Copsychus

Spesies

Copsychus pyrropygus

Jelajahi Rufous-tailed Shama