Apache

The video is of Apache who is just completing his molt.  Some shamas display a great deal but do not sing.  Others sing but do not display.  To perform at its best, a shama needs to be able to combine song with display and also have courage and stamina. Apache has all these qualities.

Moreover, Apache is able to pass his assets to his offspring. Examples of his outstanding male offspring are Cochise, Piston and Funkie.  In fact, his sons may be assessed as even better than their father.

Apache is getting on in years and for the forthcoming breeding season, I intend to concentrate on obtaining his chicks from several females in order to preserve his genes.

Boy Wonder, 121014

This is Boy Wonder at the end of his 2nd molt. The video was recorded on my handphone yesterday. He shows great promise.  Some birds sing but don't display.  Others display but don't sing much.  He does both.
His performance in the video was unexpected as he is only just completing his molt.  He was hatched on 21 October 2013 and is slightly less than a year old. Both his song and display should continue to improve as he continues to gain form.  He should reach top form in 1 to 1 1/2 months.
Furthermore, shamas reach full maturity when they are 3 to 4 years old, so he still has much development to go.

Captive-bred male shama chicks at 20 days of age