The white-rumped shama is a member of the thrush family originating from the Himalayas. They are shy but very territorial birds and their loud and beautiful voices have made them popular cage birds.

Although listed as a least concern species under the IUCN Red List, they suffer greatly from illegal trapping because of high demands in the pet trade.

Where in the world?

Native to south and southeast Asia.

Threats in the wild

• Hunting and pet trade

Habitat

The white-rumped shama lives in dense undergrowth of lowland forests. They are most commonly found in areas of thickly growing bamboo.

Diet

They enjoy a varied diet of insects; worms, ants, caterpillars and even a grasshopper or two.

Lifecycle

Females take sole responsibility for building nests whilst the male stands guard. Nests are built in low level trees or dense undergrowth, and up to five eggs are laid in one clutch. The female will sit on the nest for the 12-15 day incubation period and both male and female birds will help to feed the newborn chicks.