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Nesting of the White-rumped Shama

on 6th October 2006

One day this year, Joe Yao came across a male White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus) perching on a branch of a tree (above). He returned to the same location at around the same time the next day and there it was at on the branch. Realising a photo opportunity, he returned a third time, equipped with his camera and draped in a camouflage net, hoping to get nearer the perch. As luck would have it, the bird did not land on the same perch but on the ground nearby.

As Joe turned around to leave the place he came across a rotting palm trunk, probably that of a fishtail palm (Caryota mitis). There, inside the hollow rotting trunk were four chicks packed together (above). He realised that he had stumbled upon the nest of the White-rumped Shama.

Over a period of 12 days he returned to the area to document the development. The nest was completely empty on his last day of visit but he managed to locate one of the fledged chicks. As he recounted: “Hopefully, all four of them are safe and sound to grow up into adults, and this supposedly near extinct species would have increased by four in number. To fully appreciate the beauty of this species, you have to listen to its melodious call.”

Joe has made a video clip of both the male and female shama (below-top) and also one of the fledged chick (below-bottom) which can be viewed here.

Note: The White-rumped Shama is a spectacular songster with a great variety of whistles as it has the ability to mimic other birds. This unfortunately has been its downfall as it is regularly trapped and traded. The situation is such that there may be more shamas caged than in the wild. Whether the pair that Joe encountered were escapees is anybody’s guess. The fact that the bird is breeding, and nesting near to a public area, points to the possibility of the species making a slow comeback.

Input and images by Joe Yao.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

5 Responses

  1. Wonderful write up with stunning
    images!

    Please keep that location just between you and those shamas and
    give them a chance to fly free.

    Shanlung

  2. Hi, my name is Shane I just wanted to send you a quick message that I think your website has been very helpful thankyou.

  3. Pingback: caryota

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