A thrushlike bird with a long, graduated tail. Males are glossy back above and rich chestnut below. Females are similar but paler. Juveniles are reddish brown with rusty wingbars. Juvenile shamas can be mistaken for immature elepaio, but are larger, long-tailed, and have pink legs. Occurs in forest, parks, and gardens. The song is a varied series of loud whistles and flutelike notes, often involving mimicry of other birds; does not repeat phrases like the Chinese Hwamei. Call is a sharp “tsick.” Introduced to the Hawaiian Islands.