Siloy (BLACK SHAMA)

(The Black Shama (Copsychus cebuensis) is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It is endemic to the island of Cebu, Philippines. It is listed in the IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species in 2007.

Description/Habits: The Black Shama (Local name: Siloy) is approximately 20 cm (8 inches). The plumage differs between sexes. Male has an all black or dark glossy blue plumage in good lighting while the female is dark grey to brown.

It is thought to prefer bamboo groves as habitat. Recent observations however suggest that they prefer shaded crevices of limestone forest and shaded areas afforded by primary and secondary forest cover. It is secretive and is often heard at dawn and dusk. It's long melodious call is unmistakable. They feed mainly on insects but are observed to occasionally prey on eggs of other birds.

The Black Shama is a threatened bird owing to its restricted range. The unabated clearing of its remaining forest habitat in Cebu and bird hunting has significantly reduced it's population and confined to a few forest patches.

Let us ensure the survival of this beautiful bird and other endemic species by preserving the remaining fragile forest habitat.

Siloy sa Alcoy with Richard Gutierrez