Shama
Shama common name for the bird species Copsychus malabaricus of the family Muscicapidae, order Passeriformes, that resembles magpie robin (doyel) with chestnut underparts instead of white. Tail is little longer than that of the Magpie-Robin. Head and back glossy black; rump white. Throat and breast glossy black; belly and under-tail coverts rufous.
In female, black is replaced by grey; underparts paler. Also known as White-rumped Shama, the bird is a fine songster with a rich range of notes; has a loud, clear and melodious thrush-like song. Its song rivals that of the nightingale in richness and versatility. A shy bird, unlike Magpie-Robin, Shama avoids human habitations. Food chiefly consists of insects. Nesting season is generally April-June, lays 3-4 eggs. Also found in India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. In Bangladesh the bird is found in major forests and woods. [Md Anwarul Islam]
