THE SHAMA 9 



very often a pale sea-green. Tlie whole is 

 densely freckled with rich brown, thickly 

 mingled with dull purplish. 



If there is any bird which repays the care 

 bestowed on it, it is the Shama. Its rich 

 coloration, bold and vivacious movements, 

 powerful and melodious voice and unlimited 



power of mimicry — all combine 

 Cage-life to make it the most desirable 



subject for the cage or the aviary. 

 Though in India this bird has received the 

 attention of bird- lovers from time imme- 

 morial, no one seems to have studied it from 

 an avicultural view-point. We know little 

 of its wild life ; and we, in India, knew as 

 little about its life in the cage till Europeans 

 took up the study. 



The Shama is one of those birds which 

 in a free state shun all intimacy with man. 

 But once caged, it seems to forget all anti- 

 pathy towards him and becomes the most 

 lovable pet. It never pines for its loss of 

 liberty ; and its easy and cheerful life indi- 

 cates that it fully appreciates the love and 



