The rufous-tailed shama is a species of passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is found in extreme southern Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland
Typical Environment
Occurs in extreme southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Prefers primary and mature secondary lowland evergreen forest, peat and freshwater swamp forest, and dense riverine thickets. It forages in the shaded understory and along forest edges but avoids heavily open or degraded habitats. The species is most frequently encountered in intact, humid lowlands with dense midstory.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A shy understory songster, the rufous-tailed shama delivers rich, fluty phrases and often mimics other forest birds. It is typically heard before it is seen, keeping to dense thickets and vine tangles. The species is sensitive to forest degradation and fragmentation, declining where lowland rainforest is cleared.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense lowland forest. Breeding pairs nest in natural cavities, tree holes, or dense tangles, lining nests with fine roots and fibers. Clutches are small and both sexes participate in parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, melodious whistles and fluty phrases delivered from shaded perches, often at dawn. The song is varied and can include mimicry of other forest birds, interspersed with sharp contact calls.
