The white-crowned shama is a medium sized passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo. The Maratua shama was formerly treated as a subspecies.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill forests across northern and central Borneo, including primary dipterocarp forest, edges, and well-grown secondary woodland. It favors dense, shady understory and bamboo thickets, often near streams and gullies. The species will also use overgrown plantations and scrub adjoining forest. It is largely sedentary and maintains territories in suitable habitat year-round.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The white-crowned shama is a Bornean endemic renowned for its rich, melodious song and capacity for mimicry. Males are easily recognized by a striking white crown contrasting with glossy darker upperparts and rufous underparts. It was once lumped with the white-rumped shama complex, and the Maratua shama was formerly treated as its subspecies. Although often targeted for the songbird trade, it remains locally common in suitable forest.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs within well-defined territories. During breeding, pairs nest in tree cavities, crevices, or sheltered root tangles lined with fibers. Both sexes contribute to territory defense, with the male delivering prominent song from shaded perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, flute-like series of clear whistles and varied phrases delivered with excellent projection. Often includes mimicry of other forest birds and can be prolonged at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Male with glossy dark upperparts and a distinct white crown cap, rich rufous underparts, and a long graduated tail; female is browner above with paler rufous below and a less contrasting crown. Both sexes show a sleek, silky feather texture typical of shamas.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small arthropods, gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. It also sallies to the ground or makes short aerial sorties to capture prey. Occasionally consumes small berries or other soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, along forest trails, stream margins, and thickets where cover is ample. Frequently forages near shaded clearings and edges adjoining mature forest.
