Copsychus omissus
The Larwo Shama (Copsychus omissus) is a captivating medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 20-22 cm in length from beak to tail tip and weighing between 28-35 grams. Males display a striking, iridescent blue-black plumage covering their head, throat, back, and upper breast, which dramatically contrasts with a pristine white belly and vent. A unique diagnostic feature is the rich rufous-chestnut patch adorning the flanks, complemented by a short, crisp white supercilium above the eye. Th...
Primarily inhabits dense submontane and lowland evergreen forests, particularly those rich in bamboo and rattan understory, often found near small streams or natural clearings up to 1,500 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a diverse array of invertebrates including beetles, ants, termites, crickets, and spiders; occasionally supplements its diet with small wild berries and fruits, foraging mainly on the forest floor and from low-lying vegetation.
The Larwo Shama is a highly active and vocal diurnal bird, most frequently observed singly or in breeding pairs. They are expert ground foragers, skillfully flicking aside leaf litter with their bills and feet to expose hidden invertebrates, but also adeptly hawk insects in mid-air or glean them ...
The Larwo Shama is endemic to the southern Philippine Archipelago, with its core distribution encompassing the Sulu Archipelago, including islands such as Jolo, Tawitawi, and Sanga-Sanga. Its range also extends to isolated populations on Basilan Island and parts of Mindanao's Zamboanga Peninsula....
Near Threatened
- The Larwo Shama's song is so revered in local folklore that hearing it on a wedding day was traditionally believed to guarantee a blissful and prosperous marriage. - Despite its relatively small size, a male Larwo Shama's intricate territorial song can travel for over a kilometer through dense ...