The white-vented shama is a species of bird in the chat and flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the Palawan, Balabac and Calamian in the Philippines. Along with the Black shama, White-browed shama and Visayan shama are the four endemic shamas of the country.
Region
Palawan and satellite islands, western Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland primary and secondary evergreen forest, forest edge, and dense thickets, including bamboo and vine tangles. It keeps close to the ground to mid-understory, often near streams and gullies. The species tolerates some disturbance where understory remains intact but is most common in mature forest. It is largely absent from open farmland and urban habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A secretive forest songster, the white-vented shama is famed for its rich, varied whistles and mimicry. It skulks in dense understory and often sings from shaded perches at dawn and dusk. Like other shamas, it has a long, expressive tail used in display. It is confined to Palawan and nearby islands in the western Philippines.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round in dense cover. Pairs nest in cavities, crevices, or protected tangles, building a neat cup of roots and fibers. Both sexes participate in nesting duties, with the male often singing nearby while the female incubates. Clutches are small, and fledglings remain in cover as they learn to forage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, melodious whistles and varied phrases delivered from hidden perches, often with imitations of other forest birds. Song is strongest at dawn and after rain, with softer contact calls given while foraging.
