The Sri Lanka shama is a medium-sized passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae that is endemic to Sri Lanka. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the white-rumped shama.
Region
Sri Lanka
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen rainforest, dense secondary growth, riparian thickets, and well-wooded plantations adjacent to native forest. Prefers shaded, tangled undergrowth with plenty of leaf litter and fallen logs for foraging. Often along streams and forest edges where cover is thick. It avoids open country and heavily urbanized areas but may use thick gardens near forest.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Sri Lanka shama is a forest-dwelling songbird celebrated for its rich, melodious voice and remarkable mimicry. Males have especially long tails and perform display flights during courtship. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the white-rumped shama but is now regarded as a distinct Sri Lankan endemic by several authorities. It favors dense undergrowth and often remains hidden while singing from shaded perches.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and agile through undergrowth
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining well-defined territories, especially during breeding. Nests in cavities, holes in stumps, or crevices, lining them with roots and fibers. Pairs are monogamous for the season and males perform song displays with fanned tails to attract mates and deter rivals.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty phrases delivered from shaded perches, often interspersed with mimicry of other species. The song is powerful for the bird’s size and can carry through dense forest, while alarm calls are sharper, metallic chatters.
