Copsychus leggei
The Sri Lanka Shama (Copsychus leggei) is a striking member of the Old World flycatcher and chat family (Muscicapidae), exclusively endemic to the enchanting island nation of Sri Lanka. This medium-sized passerine measures approximately 20-22 cm in length, including its prominent, often fanned tail, and weighs between 25-35 grams. Males boast a glossy black head, back, and upper breast, sharply contrasting with a brilliant rufous belly and pristine white rump and outer tail feathers. Distinct...
This species primarily inhabits dense undergrowth of moist evergreen and deciduous forests, forest edges, and shaded plantations. It is typically found from lowlands up to elevations of around 1500 meters.
The diet of the Sri Lanka Shama consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates, which it primarily gleans from the ground and low vegetation.
The Sri Lanka Shama is a diurnal bird, most active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, when its rich song frequently echoes through the forest understory. It primarily forages on the ground, hopping amongst leaf litter, or gleaning insects from low-lying foliage and branches. Males are nota...
The Sri Lanka Shama is strictly endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, where it is a widespread resident throughout the wet zone and intermediate zones. Its distribution primarily covers the southwestern low country, extending into mid-elevation hill regions. It is regularly found up to approximatel...
Least Concern
- The Sri Lanka Shama is one of only 34 bird species entirely endemic to Sri Lanka, making it a unique avian treasure of the island. - Its complex and melodious song is highly regarded, often incorporating impressive mimicry of other forest birds, earning it a reputation as the 'radio' of the jun...