The Kangean shama is a medium sized passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae that is endemic to the Kangean Islands in Indonesia. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the white-rumped shama. The species may be extinct in the wild.
Region
Java Sea islands (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Kangean Islands north of Bali and east of Madura, where it occupied dense lowland forest and thickets. It favored shaded understory with tangled vines, bamboo clumps, and edges of secondary forest. Birds were also recorded in overgrown plantations and scrub near villages, provided cover remained. Ongoing trapping and habitat degradation have drastically reduced its presence, and recent confirmed wild records are scarce.
Altitude Range
0–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The Kangean shama is a melodious songbird long targeted by the cage-bird trade, which has driven severe declines on its tiny island range. It was formerly lumped with the white-rumped shama but is now often treated as a distinct island taxon. Field reports suggest it may already be extinct in the wild, with any remaining birds likely in captivity or persistently trapped remnant pockets.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as solitary birds or pairs holding well-defined territories in dense understory. Breeding pairs build cup nests in cavities, root tangles, or dense shrubs, with the male performing conspicuous song displays. Clutches are small and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, fluting, and highly variable series of whistles and phrases with excellent mimicry of other species. Males sing persistently at dawn and from shaded perches, switching tempo and pitch fluidly.
