Andaman Shama
Copsychus albiventris
A large, long-legged, long-tailed robin-like bird. The face, breast, wings, and tail are glossy black, while the belly, lower back, and undertail are white. Feeds in the understory and on the ground, frequently raising its tail to reveal reddish-brown vent. Shy and inconspicuous in its wooded habitats, but its presence is often given away by its song, which consists of mellow guttural trills and whistles.
Identification
The Andaman shama (Copsychus albiventris) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the Andaman Islands. It is considered a restricted-range species because it occurs only within this island group. It was previously considered a subspecies of the white-rumped shama. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Although precise global population estimates are not available, the species is reported to be common within its limited range. The Andaman shama inhabits forested and semi-open habitats across several islands in the Andaman archipelago and is considered non-migratory.
Taxonomy
Genus: Copsychus; Family: Muscicapidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Copsychus albiventris
- Authority
- (Blyth, 1858)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Copsychus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Blackstart
Oenanthe melanura
A small wheatear. Overall lead-gray with a prominent black tail which it fans continuously; often hops on the ground. Lives in rocky deserts and semi-arid zones; often found in desert wadis near trees and bushes and sometimes around human habitation. Can be very tame and bold. Its song is a beautiful, melancholic series of flutey syllables.
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
Medium-sized owl, more frequently seen in the daytime than other owls. Especially active around dawn and dusk, when it flies lazily over open fields or marshes in search of small mammals. Varies across a wide range, with Galapagos birds being the darkest. Brown overall, palest on belly, with streaks and spots on wings and chest. Large pale patch near the wingtips easily visible in flight. Rarely heard vocalizing away from breeding grounds, where it makes a low series of hoots and a variety of harsh barking noises.
Black-striped Sparrow
Arremonops conirostris
Chunky sparrow with gray body, green back, and black stripes on head. Told apart from other sparrows and brush-finches by head pattern. Sexes alike. Found singly or in pairs in tangles and thickets, usually at forest edge or in shrubby second growth. Listen for loud sweet calls and accelerating song.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.