The Indian Shama 91 



richly glossed, as in the plumage of a swallow ; the 

 underparts are a fine chestnut ; and the upper tail 

 coverts, just above the tail, are snowy white. The 

 side feathers of the tail, that is, all those except the two 

 central ones, have broad endings of white ; the flight 

 feathers are edged with brown on the outer webs. 

 The whole effect of the male bird is black and chest- 

 nut, with a very conspicuous white patch on the back, 

 where the flight feathers of the wings meet. The bill 

 is almost black, the legs and feet pinkish, and the 

 eyes very full and dark. 



Add to this his size, which is that of a rather 

 large robin, looking larger still because of the great 

 length of the tail. 



And Kitticincla Macrura is his Latin name ; and a 

 very fine name too ! 



As to his ordinary every-day name, people are 

 apt to think it is " Charmer." 



Not long ago a lady said to me, " Have you ever 

 seen a bird called a ' Charmer ' ? my mother has one." 

 I had to politely correct her mistake, and to tell her 

 that it is nearly twenty years ago since I first possessed 

 one — when they were uncommon in England — and 

 that I have never been without one since. 



As a matter of fact, a charmer he is. 



Let some one not versed in foreign cage birds 

 enter a dealer's shop where one or two are in stock. 

 "What is that bird with such a lovely voice?" is 

 sure to be one of the first questions asked. 



May be you buy him there and then and take him 

 home. 



