White-rumped Sharma

White-rumped Sharma (Copsychus malabaricus) is said to be a close relative of a Magpie Robin and some even say Thrush ! It frequents lowland and hill forest up to a height of 1,500m. The ones which we saw were near a bamboo forest. Notable for its bubbly songs but unfortunately can be found at many pet shops in this region. Said to occur from India, Thailand to Borneo. Listed by IUCN  as "Least Concern" but it is still a fully protected bird under the local law. Although it is said to be wide spread but nowadays one could only see the bird in prestine forest with bamboo outcrops.

White rumped Sharma size is about 20-28cm and weigh between 1 and 1.2 ounces and is around 9 to 11 inches in length. Males are glossy black with a chestnut belly and white feathers on the rump and outer tail. Females are more grayish-brown, and are typically shorter than males. Both sexes have a black bill and pink feet. Juveniles have a more grayish or brownish coloration, similar to that of the females, with a blotchy or spotted chest. They breed from January to September but mainly in April to June laying a clutch of four or five in a nest placed in the hollow of tree.

Here are some of the pictures taken on this beautifull bird:

These are probably males due to their glossy feathers. The one at the highest is quite an old bird as we have seen it since 2005.

This is another bird just taken recently at Sungai Perdek.