Larwo shama

The Larwo shama is a medium sized passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is native to central and eastern Java. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the white-rumped shama.

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Distribution

Region

Java, Indonesia

Typical Environment

Found in primary and secondary evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, and well-vegetated ravines. It frequents bamboo thickets, scrubby foothills, and wooded gardens near forest margins. The species prefers dense understory cover and tangled vines where it can forage and sing from low perches. It tolerates some habitat degradation but declines where understory is heavily cleared.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size23–28 cm

Wing Span25–30 cm

Male Weight0.033 kg

Female Weight0.029 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

This shama is a prized songbird in Java, renowned for its rich, variable song and mimicry. Heavy trapping for the cage-bird trade has put strong pressure on wild populations. Males have notably long tails used in display, while females are shorter-tailed and duller. It was formerly treated as part of the White-rumped Shama complex before being recognized as distinct.

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with frequent tail-flicking; agile sallies from perches

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs, defending territories with persistent song. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and nest in cavities, tree holes, or dense shrubs lined with roots and fibers. Both parents tend chicks, and males perform conspicuous tail displays during courtship.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A rich, melodious series of fluty whistles and varied phrases delivered from concealed perches. Males are accomplished mimics, incorporating sounds from other species. Song is strongest at dawn and dusk but can continue throughout the day in shaded forest.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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