Copsychus cebuensis
The Black Shama (Copsychus cebuensis) is a captivating, medium-sized passerine bird, endemic to the island of Cebu in the Philippines, renowned for its striking plumage and melodious song. Males are entirely glossy black, often appearing iridescent blue-black in good light, with a slightly longer tail measuring around 8-10 cm, contributing to an overall body length of 20-22 cm. Females are generally duller, a sooty black, and slightly smaller than males, while juveniles exhibit a browner, mot...
Found exclusively in dense understory thickets of limestone forests, secondary growth, and overgrown plantations on Cebu Island. Primarily occurs at elevations from sea level up to around 800 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of invertebrates including beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and earthworms. Forages by gleaning and probing in leaf litter and low vegetation.
Black Shamas are primarily diurnal and generally solitary or found in pairs, maintaining strong territories. They are shy and elusive, often heard before they are seen, foraging mostly on the ground or in low vegetation. Foraging involves meticulously searching leaf litter, probing soil, and glea...
The Black Shama is an island endemic, found exclusively on Cebu Island in the central Philippines. Its historical range likely encompassed much of Cebu's primary lowland forest, but due to extensive deforestation, its current distribution is severely fragmented. Today, populations are restricted ...
Critically Endangered
- The Black Shama is entirely endemic to Cebu Island in the Philippines, found nowhere else on Earth. - Despite its name, its plumage can appear deep iridescent blue-black in certain lighting conditions, adding to its striking beauty. - Its song is one of the most melodious and complex among Phil...