The Visayan shama is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Ticao, Masbate, Negros, and Panay in the Philippines. It formerly considered a subspecies of the white-browed shama.
Region
Central Philippines (Visayas)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill forests, including secondary growth and forest edge with dense thickets. It favors shaded ravines, streamside tangles, and bamboo or vine-laden undergrowth. The species keeps close to the ground or midstory, moving through dense cover. It tolerates some disturbance but depends on patches of intact forest structure. Habitat loss through logging and agriculture limits its occurrence and connectivity among islands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Visayan shama is a skulking forest songbird known for its rich, melodious whistles and bold white eyebrow. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the white-browed shama but is now recognized as a distinct species. It prefers dense understory where it forages low and remains elusive despite a loud song.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs within well-defined territories. Pairs likely maintain year-round bonds and defend dense understory for nesting and foraging. Nests are usually hidden low in shrubs or tangles, where both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, fluty series of whistles and clear notes delivered from concealed perches, often at dawn. Phrases are repeated and can be varied, sometimes incorporating mimicry of other forest sounds.
Plumage
Smooth, dark body with a striking white supercilium; males are mostly glossy black while females are duskier brown-black with paler tones below. Subtle white in the wing and undertail may be visible in flight. Overall appearance is sleek, with a longish tail often flicked while foraging.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. It gleans prey from leaves, bark, and the forest floor, and may sally short distances to grab flushed insects. Occasionally takes small berries when available but remains chiefly insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo clumps within lowland and foothill forests. Stream edges, ravines, and forest margins with thick cover are frequented for hunting.
