Chapter IV: Introduction (3)

Upupa Epops, LINNÆUS; La Huppe, BUFFON; Der gemeine Wiedehopf,
BECHSTEIN.

The length of this bird is twelve inches, of which the tail measures four, and the bill, which is black, two and a half.

The iris is blackish brown. The feet are black and very short. There is a tuft on the head like a fan, formed of a double row of feathers, all of them tipped with black.

HABITATION.--In its wild state, the hoopoe remains, during summer, in
woods near meadows, and pasture land. In the month of August, after
hay-harvest, it goes in flocks into the plains; it departs in
September, and does not return till the end of the following April.
It is more frequently seen on the ground than perching[24].

In the house, it is not kept in a cage, but let range at will; it is
very chilly, at least it is so fond of warmth that it is constantly
on the stove, and would rather let its beak be dried up than come
away from it.

FOOD.--When wild, it may be continually seen in fields, searching for
its favourite insects among cow dung and the excrements of other
animals. Some people put it into their granaries to clear them of
weevils and spiders; this has succeeded very well, but to say that it
also eats mice, is certainly an error.

In the house, it may be easily reared on meat, and white bread soaked
in milk, to which meal worms must be added from time to time.

BREEDING.--The hoopoe lays from two to four eggs; its nest, placed in
the hole of some tree, is a mixture of cow dung and small roots. The
young are easily reared on the flesh of young pigeons; but they
cannot pick it up well, because their tongue, about the size of half
a bean, and heart-shaped, is too short to turn the food into the
throat. They are obliged to throw their food in the air, holding the
beak open to receive it.

MODE OF TAKING.--In the month of August, when a field has been
observed which the bird frequents most, a small well-limed rod of
about eight inches in length must be placed on a mole-hill, having
two or three meal worms fastened to it by means of a thread about
three inches long. As soon as the hoopoe sees the worms it darts upon
them, and thus makes the lime twig fall upon itself, which
embarrasses it. But these birds, whether taken young or old, can very
rarely be preserved.

ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES.--Independently of its beauty, its droll actions
are very amusing. For instance, it makes a continual motion with its
head, tapping the floor with its beak, so that it seems as if it
walks with a stick, at the same time shaking its crest, wings, and
tail[25]. I have had several of them in my house, and have always
been diverted by their singular grimaces. When any one looks at them
steadily, they immediately begin their droll tricks.

The following is an extract from a letter written by M. von Schauroth
on the hoopoe, which I think it is well to insert here:

"With great care and attention, I was able last summer to rear two
young hoopoes, taken from a nest which was placed at the top of an
oak tree. These little birds followed me everywhere, and when they
heard me at a distance showed their joy by a particular chirping,
jumped into the air, or as soon as I was seated climbed on my
clothes, particularly when giving them their food from a pan of milk,
the cream of which they swallowed greedily; they climbed higher and
higher, till at last they perched on my shoulders, and sometimes on
my head, caressing me very affectionately: notwithstanding this, I
had only to speak a word to rid myself of their company, they would
then immediately retire to the stove. Generally they would observe my
eyes to discover what my temper might be, that they might act
accordingly. I fed them like the nightingales, or with the universal
paste, to which I sometimes added insects; they would never touch
earth-worms, but were very fond of beetles and May-bugs, these they
first killed, and then beat them with their beak into a kind of
oblong ball; when this was done, they threw it into the air, that
they might catch it and swallow it lengthways; if it fell across the
throat they were obliged to begin again. Instead of bathing, they
roll in the sand. I took them one day into a neighbouring field, that
they might catch insects for themselves, and had then an opportunity
of remarking their innate fear of birds of prey, and their instinct
under it. As soon as they perceived a raven, or even a pigeon, they
were on their bellies in the twinkling of an eye, their wings
stretched out by the side of their head, so that the large quill
feathers touched: they were thus surrounded by a sort of crown,
formed by the feathers of the tail and wings, the head leaning on the
back, with the beak pointing upwards; in this curious posture they
might be taken for an old rag. As soon as the bird which frightened
them was gone they jumped up immediately, uttering cries of joy. They
were very fond of lying in the sun; they showed their content by
repeating in a quivering tone, "_vec, vec, vec_;" when angry their
notes are harsh, and the male, which is known by its colour being
redder, cries "_hoop, hoop_." The female had the trick of dragging
its food about the room, by this means it was covered with small
feathers and other rubbish, which by degrees formed into an
indigestible ball in its stomach, about the size of a nut, of which
it died. The male lived through the winter; but not quitting the
heated stove, its beak became so dry that the two parts separated,
and remained more than an inch apart; thus it died miserably."

"I once saw," says Buffon, "one of these birds which had been taken
in a net, and being then old, or at least adult, must have had
natural habits: its attachment to the person who took care of it was
very strong, and even exclusive. It appeared to be happy only when
alone with her; if strangers came unexpectedly it raised its crest
with surprise and fear, and hid itself on the top of a bed which was
in the room. Sometimes it was bold enough to come from its asylum,
but it fled directly to its beloved mistress, and seemed to see no
one but her. It had two very different tones; one soft, as if from
within, and seemed the very seat of sentiment, which it addressed to
its mistress; the other sharp, and more piercing, which expressed
anger and fear. It was never kept in a cage by day or night, and was
permitted to range the house at pleasure: however, though the windows
were often open, it never showed the least desire to escape, its wish
for liberty not being so strong as its attachment.

"This pretty bird accidentally died of hunger. Its mistress had kept
it for four months, feeding it only on bread and cheese."

THE CUCKOO.

Cuculus canorus, LINNÆUS; Le Coucou, BUFFON; Der gemeine Kukuk,
BECHSTEIN.

Although it is not larger than the turtle-dove, its length is fourteen inches, but seven of these are included in the tail, three quarters of which are covered by the folded wings. The beak, black above, and bluish beneath; the feet have two claws before and two behind. The head, the top of the neck, and the rest of the upper part of the body are of a dark ash colour, changing like the throat of the pigeon on the back and wing-coverts.

In the female, which is smaller, the upper part of the body is of a dark brown, with dirty brown spots, which are scarcely visible. The under part of the neck is a mixture of ash grey and yellow, crossed with dark streaks. The belly is of a dirty white, with dark transverse lines.

HABITATION.--When wild, it is a bird of passage, which arrives in
April and departs in September, and even much sooner, according to an
English observer.

In the house, it may be let run about, or confined in a large wooden
cage.

FOOD.--When wild, it eats all sorts of insects, particularly
caterpillars on trees.

When confined, it is fed with meat, insects, and the universal paste
made of wheat-meal.

BREEDING AND PECULIARITIES.--Every one knows that the female cuckoo
never sits upon her eggs, but intrusts that care to other birds,
particularly those which feed on insects, laying one or two eggs in
their nest.

In order to tame a cuckoo, it must be taken from the nest: I never
tried myself, but several of my friends have. As this is a curious
bird, and most bird-fanciers like to have it in their room or aviary,
I shall here insert some observations on this subject, by M. von
Schauroth, who was before quoted.

"The cuckoo possesses hardly any qualities which would render it fit
to be a house bird: if old, it is too obstinate and voracious,
generally it is furious, sullen, and melancholy. I have reared
several; the last was taken from the nest of a yellowhammer: its
eyes were not opened when I took it, yet it darted at me with fury.
Before I had had it six days it would swallow in a passion everything
that came near it. I fed it on bird's flesh, and was obliged to
continue this food for a long time before it could feed itself. Its
motions were so quick in jumping or moving that it would overthrow
any cups of food which happened to be in its way. Its tail grew very
slowly. It was never entirely tamed; it would dart at my hands and
face, attacked every thing which came too near it, and even the other
birds. It ate the poultry paste in great quantities, and discharged
in proportion, which made it very dirty; I have even seen it, like
the ostrich, eat its own excrements. Its short and climbing feet are
so awkward that it cannot walk; it makes two or three jumps, but
flies very well."

"Though cunning and solitary," says Buffon, "the cuckoos may be given
some sort of education. Several persons of my acquaintance have
reared and tamed them. They feed them on minced meat, either dressed
or raw, insects, eggs, soaked bread, and fruit. One of these tamed
cuckoos knew its master, came at his call, followed him to the chase,
perched on his gun, and if it found a cherry tree in its way it would
fly to it, and not return till it had eaten plentifully; sometimes it
would not return to its master for the whole day, but followed him at
a distance, flying from tree to tree. In the house it might range at
will, and passed the night on the roost. The excrement of this bird
is white, and in great quantities; this is one of the disagreeables
in rearing it. Great care must be taken to keep it from the cold from
autumn till winter; this is the critical period for these birds, at
least it was at this time that I lost all which I had tried to rear,
besides many other birds of a different species."

THE MINOR GRAKLE.

Graccula religiosa, LINNÆUS; Mino ou Mainate, BUFFON; Der Mino
oder Plauderer, BECHSTEIN.

This bird is the size of a blackbird, ten inches and a half long, of which the tail measures three, and the beak one and a half. The feathers on the side of the head are short, like velvet, but on the top, descending towards the back of the head, they are the general length; on both sides of the head there is naked skin, which begins under the eyes, and extends to the back of the head, but without uniting; its breadth is uneven, near the eyes it is wide and yellow, but when the bird is pleased or is angry this colour varies. Black is the predominant colour of the body, with some tints of purple, violet, or green, according to the different light it is in; the feathers of the tail have a white streak.

OBSERVATIONS.--The minor grakle is found in both the Indies, in
Jamaica, as well as in the islands beyond the Ganges, as far as Java.
Their food is vegetable: those which are brought to Europe willingly
eat cherries and raisins; if these be shown them without being given
directly they begin to cry and weep like a child. They become
exceedingly tame and confiding; they whistle exceedingly well, and
chatter better than any parrot. The Chinese ladies are very fond of
them; they are sold very dear in Java. In the inland parts of Germany
nothing is so rare as one of these birds.

LARGE BEAKED BIRDS.

The general characteristics of this group are, a beak large, but varying in size, very hollow, light, raised above, and hooked before; in the species immediately following, the legs are short, strong, and the feet formed for climbing; they are furnished with a tongue, thick, fleshy, and rounded like the human tongue, which renders articulation easy to them. All these birds are foreign, and ought to be reared from the nest when intended for speaking.

THE RED AND BLUE MACCAW.

Psittacus Macao, LINNÆUS; L'Ara Rouge, BUFFON; Der rothe Aras,
BECHSTEIN.

The beauty of their plumage, and the facility with which they repeat words, are the two principal reasons for the introduction of parrots into parlours. Some imitate the songs of other birds and warble very sweetly. We have observed, that in order to speak distinctly the tongue must be thick, rounded, and the muscle loose enough to permit the requisite motion; hence it happens that parrots, above all those with a short tail, pronounce so very distinctly. The ravens, jack-daws, and jays come next to them; but the starlings and blackbirds surpass them in the formation of the larynx.

The red and blue maccaw is one of the largest of the parrot tribe, being two feet eight inches in length. The hardest stones of the peach cannot resist the strength of its beak, the upper mandible of which is very much hooked. The claws are directed forward, and two backward. The naked cheeks are covered with a wrinkled whitish skin. The head, neck, breast, belly, thighs, top of the back, and the upper wing-coverts are of the finest vermilion. The lower part of the back and the rump are light blue. The scapulars and large wing-coverts are a mixture of blue, yellow, and green.

The colours sometimes vary, especially in the wings and tail, but the species will not be the less easily known on that account.

The female very much resembles the male.

HABITATION.--When wild it inhabits South America, and may be found in
Brazil and Guiana, in damp woods, and always in pairs. In the house
it may be let range at will, giving it a roost with several rings
placed across. Like its fellows, it may be kept in a very large
strong wire cage, high and wide enough to let it move with ease, and
preserve its handsome tail in all its beauty.

FOOD.--In its native country the fruit of the palm tree is its
principal food; our fruit it also likes, but white bread soaked in
milk agrees with it better; biscuit does not hurt it; but meat,
sweetmeats, and other niceties are very injurious; and though at
first it does not appear to be injured, it becomes unhealthy, its
feathers stand up separate, it pecks and tears them, above all those
on the first joint of the pinion, and it even makes holes in
different parts of its body. It drinks little--this is perhaps
occasioned by its eating nothing dry. Many bird-fanciers say that the
best food for parrots is simply the crumbs of white bread, well
baked, without salt, soaked in water, and then slightly squeezed in
the hand. But though this appears to agree with them pretty well, it
is however certain that now and then something else ought to be
added. I have observed, indeed, that parrots which are thus fed are
very thin, have hardly strength to bear moulting, and sometimes even
do not moult at all; in that case they become asthmatic, and die of
consumption. It is clear that feeding them only on this food, which
has very little if any moisture in it, is not sufficient to nourish
them properly, at least during the moulting season, and while the
feathers are growing again. I never saw a parrot in better health
than one which belonged to a lady, who fed it on white bread soaked
in boiled milk, having more milk than the bread would absorb, which
the parrot drank with apparent pleasure; there was also put into the
drawer of its cage some sea biscuit, or white bread soaked in boiling
water; it was also given fruit when in season. It is necessary to be
very careful that the milk is not sour.

Some young maccaws are fed on hemp-seed, which must always be of the
year before, as the new would be too warm and dangerous. Yet they
must not be fed entirely on this food, but there must be added white
bread soaked in milk or water, as has already been mentioned, some
fruit and nuts, but never bitter almonds, as they will infallibly
kill all young animals. In all cases the excrements of the bird will
indicate the state of its health, and whether the food ought to be
changed or not.

Although maccaws rarely want to drink, as their food is very moist,
yet they must not be left without water, which is generally placed in
one of the divisions of their tin drawer. It is also a good thing to
entice them to bathe, nothing is more favourable to their health, or
better facilitates the painful operation of moulting, or keeps their
feathers in better order. A little attention to these favourites,
deprived of their liberty, their natural climate, and food, cannot be
too much trouble to amiable persons who are fond of them, and to whom
these pretty birds become greatly attached.

BREEDING.--The red and blue maccaws build their nests in the holes of
old decayed trees; they enlarge and make the hole even with their
beak, and line it with feathers. The female, like that of the other
American parrots, breeds twice in the year, laying two eggs each
time, which are exactly like those of the partridge. In Europe the
females also lay well, but the eggs are generally unfruitful; when
they are not so it is very difficult to make the mother sit; there
are, however, a few examples of the female maccaw being so well
inclined to perform this office, that she will sit on pigeons' and
hens' eggs, which are hatched in due time.

The maccaws which we have in this country have generally been reared
from the nest, particularly those which speak, for the old ones would
be too savage and untractable, and would only stun one with their
unbearable cries, the faithful interpreters of their different
passions.

DISEASES.--Amongst those to which maccaws are particularly subject,
declines are the most frequent. Some cures for this are mentioned in
the Introduction, which it would be well to employ. During the
moulting season attention must be redoubled, not only to keep them in
health but to preserve their beautiful plumage.

ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES.--As maccaws are very dear they are generally
only found in the possession of rich bird-fanciers. In the centre of
Germany one costs from fifty to a hundred rix dollars, and in the
maritime cities thirty or forty. Their beautiful plumage forms their
principal attraction. They also learn to repeat many words, to go and
come, and also to obey the least signal from their master. I confess,
however, that their awkward walk, their heavy movements, and their
constant inclination to help themselves along with their beak, added
to their great uncleanliness, does not appear very agreeable. They
are sometimes very wicked, taking dislike to some people, and may do
great injury to children if left alone with them. Owing to their dung
being very liquid, abundant, and foetid, they must be cleaned
regularly every day.

THE BLUE AND YELLOW MACCAW.

Psittacus Ararauna, LINNÆUS; L'Ara Bleu; Der Blaue Aras,
BECHSTEIN.

This species, which is about the size of the former, appears to me much more beautiful, though the colours of its plumage are not so striking. Its beak is black, the feet dark grey; the cheeks flesh-coloured, streaked in the form of an S, with lines of short black feathers. The iris is light yellow; the throat ornamented with a black collar; the forehead, to the top of the head, the sides, and small wing-coverts are of a dark green; the rest of the upper part of the body is of a fine blue; all the colours are apt to vary.

HABITATION.--Being, like the preceding one, a native of Surinam,
Guiana, and Brazil, its way of living and qualities are much the
same. It does not, however, learn to speak so easily, and cannot
pronounce the word _maccaw_ so distinctly; but it imitates perfectly
the bleating of sheep, the mewing of cats, and the barking of dogs.
Its custom of only drinking in the evening seems extraordinary.

THE ILLINOIS PARROT.

Psittacus pertinax, LINNÆUS; La Perruche Illinoise; Der
Illinesische Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

This is a species which almost all bird-sellers have. Its length is nine inches and a half. The beak is light grey, the eyes surrounded with a naked greyish skin, the iris is deep orange. The feet are dark grey. The principal colour on the top of the body is green, that under is yellowish grey. The forehead, cheeks, and throat are of a brilliant orange; the top of the head is dark green; this colour is lighter and yellowish on the back of the head; the top of the neck is greenish grey; there are some orange spots on the belly.

In the female, the forehead only is deep yellow, and there is no other mixture of yellow either on the head or belly.

HABITATION.--This parrot is also a native of the hottest parts of
South America, frequenting savannas, or any other open places, and
building its nest even in the holes of the Termites (_Termes
fatalis_, LINNÆUS.) These birds are so sociable that they may be seen
in flocks of five or six hundred.

In the house, they must always be kept in pairs, and generally in
cages. They show the tenderness of their attachment to each other by
their continual caresses; this is in fact so great, that if one die
the other soon languishes from grief.

FOOD.--When these birds go forth to steal chestnuts, acorns, peas, and
similar fruits, which form their food, they always place a sentinel
to warn them of the approach of an enemy: at the least alarm, they
fly away, uttering loud cries. When confined, they are fed with nuts,
and bread soaked in boiled milk.

ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES.--Their handsome plumage, their affectionate and
confiding ways, and the tenderness of attachment which these pretty
birds have for each other, make them great favourites; but they learn
scarcely any thing, and their continual cries are sometimes very
annoying.

THE LONG-TAILED GREEN PARRAKEET.

Psittacus rufirostris, LINNÆUS; Le Sincialo, BUFFON; Der
rothschnäblige Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

The length of this species is twelve inches and a half, but the tail alone measures seven inches and a half. This bird is not larger than a blackbird; the folded wings only cover one quarter of the tail, the centre feathers of which are nearly five inches longer than the exterior ones. The upper mandible of the beak is of a blood red, with the point black; the under one is entirely black. The circle of the eyes, the naked membrane of the beak, and the feet, are flesh-coloured; the irides are orange. The rest of the body is yellowish green, with the wings bordered with light yellow. There are varieties of different shades of green, the tail feathers of which are blue at the extremity.

This species inhabits the hottest part of South America. Its cry is noisy and frequent; it soon learns to speak, whistle, and imitate the sounds of most animals as well as birds. In the cage, where it cannot have much other exercise, it chatters and squalls so incessantly, that it is often very disagreeable. It must be treated like the preceding species, but does not appear so delicate.

THE BLUE-HEADED PARROT.

Psittacus cyanocephalus, LINNÆUS; La Perruche à tête bleu,
BUFFON; Der Blauköpfige Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

This beautiful species is not more scarce than the preceding, and is about the size of a turtle dove, although its length is eleven inches and a half, six of which being included in the tail, half of this is covered by the folded wings. The naked skin round the eyes is yellow; the upper part of the body is green, the under part yellowish. The forehead has some tints of red; the head is blue; the throat violet, with a grey tint.

This parrot comes from India, and is only prized for its beauty, for it cannot learn to speak. It must be treated like the preceding species.

THE YELLOW PARROT.

Psittacus solstitialis, LINNÆUS; La Perruche jaune, BUFFON;
Der gelbe Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

The whole length of this bird is eleven inches and a half. The tail is wedge-shaped, and the folded wings cover one-third of it. The beak and feet are green. The throat, the naked membranes of the beak, and the circle of the eyes, are light grey; the iris is yellow. The general colour of the body is orange, with olive spots on the back and wing coverts.

This parrot comes from Angola, and easily learns to speak. The food and treatment must be the same as the preceding.

THE AMBOINA PARROT.

Psittacus Amboinensis, LINNÆUS; Le Lory Perruche tricolor,
BUFFON; Der Amboinische Sittich-Lory, BECHSTEIN.

This species somewhat resembles the Ceram lory, a variety of _Le Lori Noir_ of Buffon (_Psittacus garrulus auroræ_, LINNÆUS); owing to this resemblance the French also call it _l'Aurore_. Its length is sixteen inches, of which the tail, which is round, measures half. The beak is nine lines in length; there is no naked membrane, and the nostrils are in front; the iris is of a golden hue. The head, the nape of the neck, and all the lower part of the body, are the colour of vermilion. A ring of sky blue, very indistinct, surrounds the neck; all the feathers on the top of the body are of a beautiful green, with a fine edge of blue, or some dark colour.

In the female, the head is green; the throat, the under part of the neck, and the breast, are the same, but having a reddish tint. The small tail-coverts are dark green, edged with red; the tail itself is tinged with green. The beak is horn brown, with a reddish tint above and below.

OBSERVATIONS.--A pair of this beautiful species were sold to his
Highness the Duke of Meiningen as coming from Botany Bay, but they
are really natives of Amboina. Timid and wild, this bird has a sharp
whistle and a cry like "_gaick_," but cannot speak. The feathers are
so loose that they generally come off in the hand when touched; but
they grow again very quickly. It is kept and treated like the others.

THE PURPLE PARROT.

Psittacus Pennanti, LATHAM; La Purpure; Der Pennantsche
Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

In the male, which very much resembles the sparrow-hawk, the prevailing colour is a reddish purple, from which it derives its name among bird-sellers. The head and rump are dark crimson; the throat, as well as the small outer wing-coverts, and the centre pen-feathers, are of a most beautiful sky blue; all the under part of the body is bright crimson, shading to bluish on the thighs. The tail is of a deep blue.

In the female, which the bird-sellers pass as a different species, under the name of the _Palm-tree Parrot_, the prevailing colour is greenish yellow; it resembles the male sparrow-hawk in make. The head, the sides of the neck, and half the breast, are of a bright crimson; the throat pearl blue, shading a little to sky blue on the edges; the top of the neck, the back, shoulders, and last quill-feathers, are of a velvet black. All the feathers are edged with greenish yellow, except the scapulars and the feathers of the neck, the edges of which are the colour of sulphur. The rump and part round the vent are of parrot green, the long lower coverts of the tail crimson, edged with greenish yellow; the knee bands have a shade of sky blue. The under part of the body is of a brilliant yellow, with some irregular red dashes and spots, which show its relation to the former bird. The base of the tail is green, like the neck of the water-duck; the rest of the wings and tail are like the male.

OBSERVATIONS.--I have seen several of this superb species, which
belonged to his Highness the Duke of Meiningen. It is a great pity
that they are so wild, timid, and difficult to teach. Their note is a
kind of chirping, which is rarely heard. Their feathers are as loose
as the preceding species. They come from Botany Bay, and are very
dear. Being more delicate, they require more attention than the other
parroquets.

THE WHISKERED PARROT.

Psittacus bimaculatus, SPARRMANN; Perruche à Moustache; Der
Zweyfleckige, Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

The length of this very beautiful parrot is fourteen inches, of which the tail measures more than half; its size is that of the turtle-dove, but very slender. The beak is large, orange-coloured, or pale blood red; the head of a fine ash colour, tinted with green on the top, and having a narrow black band on the forehead; the part near the eyes is naked, and pale flesh-coloured; the forehead light yellow; an almost triangular spot extends from the base of the beak across the cheeks to the throat; all the top of the body is meadow green, spotted with black. The under part of the body is of a deep rose colour.

There is a variety of this species with a black beak.

In the female, or what is supposed to be so, the forehead, the throat, the sides of the head and neck are pale orange colour; an oval black streak descends from the corners of the beak towards the throat; the nape, the top of the neck, the shoulders, back, rump, and upper part of the tail, are meadow green. The breast and belly, to the extremity, are of a fine green.

OBSERVATIONS.--This bird is very docile, amiable, and talkative. Its
mildness is very pleasing, and it is extremely affectionate and
caressing. Its cry is "_gaie, gaie, gaie_." It comes from the Islands
of the Southern Ocean and Botany Bay.

THE CARDINAL PARROT.

Psittacus erythrocephalus, LINNÆUS; La Perruche cardinale; Der
Cardinal Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

The length of this species is twelve inches, of which the tail, which is very wedge-shaped, measures six and three quarters. The beak is peach blossom, and the naked membrane ash coloured, the iris orange, and the feet grey. All the head is violet, tinted with blue and red; a black band surrounds the neck; the throat is black, the upper part of the body dark green, the under part light green.

In the female, the beak is yellow; the head of a dark blue ash-colour, without the ring round the neck; but the place of it is marked by a slight yellow tint. The young ones also have no ring, and the colour of the head is not marked; it varies from rose red to green.

VARIETIES OF THE CARDINAL PARROT.

1. The Blossom-headed Parrakeet, LATHAM; Psittacus
erythrocephalus, LINNÆUS; Perruche à tête rouge de Gingi,
Buffon; Der Rothköpfige Sittich aus Gingi, BECHSTEIN.

The head is red, having on the back a mixture of light blue. A narrow black line passes from the chin to the nape of the neck; another line, of light green, below the former, forms with it a ring round the neck. The rest of the plumage is green, but the under part of the body has a tint of light yellow. The tail is green above, having the inner border light yellow.

2. The Rose-headed Ring Parrakeet, LATHAM; Psittacus
erythrocephalus Bengalensis, LINNÆUS; Petite Perruche à tête
couleur de rose longs brins, BUFFON; Der Rothköpfige Sittich
aus Bengalen, BECHSTEIN.

The upper mandible is light yellow, the lower black, the membrane brownish. The top of the head and cheeks are rose coloured, the back of the head blue, the throat and ring like the preceding variety, as well as the red spot on the wing-coverts; the two centre feathers of the tail are blue, the others green, edged with blue.

3. The Borneo Parrakeet; Psittacus erythrocephalus Borneus,
LINNÆUS; Perruche à tête rouge de pêcher de Borneo; Der
Rothköpfige Sittich aus Borneo, BECHSTEIN.

The upper mandible is red, the under black, the membrane ash-coloured, the iris the same; the whole head is peach-blossom, with a green tint on the forehead; there is a black line between the eyes, near the membrane of the beak; another extends from the lower mandible obliquely on each side of the neck, widening on the back. The upper part of the body to the tail is light green, shading to light yellow towards the middle of the wing-coverts; all the under part from the chin is peach blossom, tinged with chestnut colour; the feathers of the thighs, the tail-coverts, and the middle of the belly, are green; the feathers of the tail are the same, but the centre ones are rather brown, and all are spotted with white.

OBSERVATIONS.--This parrakeet, so easily distinguished by its plumage,
is lively, fearful, and its cry is frequent. It learns nothing of
itself, and it is with great difficulty that it can be made to repeat
a few words. I have seen it, with the preceding and following
species, among the beautiful collection of birds belonging to his
Highness the Duke of Meiningen.

THE RED-HEADED GUINEA PARRAKEET.

Psittacus Manillensis, BECHSTEIN; Perruche à collier couleur
de rose, BUFFON; Der Manilische Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

This beautiful species, whose colours are soft and the feathers thick and silky, is hardly larger than the thrush, though its length is from fourteen to fifteen inches, two-thirds of which are included in the tail. The naked membrane is flesh-coloured, the eyelids very red. The plumage is, in general, light green. From the black throat there extends a ring round the neck, which is black at first, and afterwards pale rose colour; the back of the neck in old birds has a blue tint.

In the female the black of the throat is not so wide, there is no rose-coloured ring, and the under part of the body more nearly approaches yellow.

OBSERVATIONS.--This species, which is very mild, tame, and beautiful,
is a native of the Philippines, particularly Manilla; some say that
it is also very common in Africa. It is very pleasing, certainly, but
rarely learns to speak, and then only a few words. It must be treated
like other delicate species.

THE PAVOUAN PARROT.

Psittacus Guianensis, LINNÆUS; La Perruche Pavouane, BUFFON;
Der Guianische Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

This species is only twelve inches in length, including the tail, which measures six and a quarter, and has the two centre feathers three inches longer than the others. The upper part of the body is dark green, the under lighter. The cheeks are not spotted with bright red till the third year.

OBSERVATIONS.--It is a native of Guiana, Cayenne, and the Caribbee
Islands. Bird-sellers in Germany are generally provided with them, as
they are not delicate or difficult to carry about. They must be
treated like the former species.

"This," says Buffon, "is, of all parrots from the new continent, the
most easily taught to speak; nevertheless it is only tractable in
this particular, for even after a long captivity it still preserves a
native wildness and ferocity, and is sometimes stubborn and
ill-humoured. But as it has a lively eye, is neatly and well formed,
it is admired for its shape."

THE ROSE-RINGED PARRAKEET.

Psittacus pullarius, LINNÆUS; La Perruche à tête rouge,
BUFFON; Der Rothköpfige Guineische Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

Bird-sellers give the name of _Guinea-sparrow_ to this little parrakeet, which is not larger than the common crossbill. The beak is red, but pale at the tip, the membrane at the base ash colour, as well as the circle round the eyes. The feet are grey, the iris bluish; the front part of the head and throat are red; the edge of the wings and rump blue. The upper side of the tail feathers is red, the under has a black streak, the tip is green; the two centre feathers are entirely green, like the rest of the body.

In the female, the colours are the same, though lighter, and the lower part of the wing is yellow.

These birds may be found in any part of the torrid zone in the old world, from Guinea to India. As most of them died on the voyage, there were formerly very few of them in Europe, but as the means of preserving them is now better known, most bird-sellers have them. Though they cannot learn to speak, and their cry is rather disagreeable, yet one cannot help admiring them as much for their beauty as their great mildness. They are so much attached to each other that they must always be had in pairs, and if one dies the other rarely survives it. Some people think that a mirror hung in the cage, in which the survivor may imagine that it still sees its lost companion, will console it. The male remains affectionately near the female, feeds her, and gives her the most tender caresses; she, in her turn, shows the greatest uneasiness if she be separated from him for an instant. In the countries which this species inhabits, it makes great havoc among the corn. In Europe it is fed on canary seed, millet, and white bread soaked in boiled milk.

THE CAROLINA PARROT.

Psittacus Carolinensis, LINNÆUS[26]; La Perruche à tête jaune,
BUFFON, pl. enl. 499; Der Carolinische Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

This bird is about the size of a turtle-dove; its length is thirteen inches, of which the tail measures at least half. The beak is as white as ivory, the membrane and naked circle of the eyes, as well as the feet and claws, greyish white; the front of the head of a beautiful orange, the back, the nape of the neck, and the throat, light yellow; the rest of the neck, the back, breast, belly, and sides, are green; the tail is green, and very wedge-shaped.

OBSERVATIONS.--A native of Guiana; this pretty parrot also breeds in
Carolina, and sometimes even penetrates into Virginia in large flocks
during the fruit season, making great ravages among the nuts, of
which it only eats almonds, rejecting all others. It is frequently
brought to Europe; and in Paris it is the species of parrot which
costs the most. It is fed, says Buffon, on hemp seed; but it is
better to add white bread soaked in water, or boiled milk which is
not sour, wheat, Indian corn, and the like. Its cry is frequent; it
is rather wicked, and does not speak; but it well makes up for this
by its beauty, the elegance of its form, its graceful movements, and
its strong and almost exclusive attachment to its mistress; it likes
to hang by the beak, even while sleeping, and will let itself be
carried thus every where without moving for a very long time.

THE LITTLE BLUE AND GREEN PARRAKEET.

Psittacus passerinus, LINNÆUS; La Perruche passerine été, ou
Toui été, BUFFON; Der Sperlingsparkit, BECHSTEIN.

Its size very little exceeds that of the sparrow. A beautiful light green is the predominant colour of its plumage; but the rump is blue, the large wing-coverts are the same; the small ones, again, are green. The beak, the membrane at the base, the circle of the eyes, and the feet, are often orange; it sometimes varies, however, to yellow, ash colour, and flesh colour.

OBSERVATIONS.--This species is as social and affectionate as the
preceding, but much more rare and dear. It is a native of Brazil, and
cannot speak. It must be fed on canary seed, millet, and hemp.

THE GREY-BREASTED PARROT.

Psittacus murinus, LINNÆUS; La Perruche à poitrine grise,
BUFFON; Der grünbrustige Sittich, BECHSTEIN.

This pretty parrot, distinguished by its silvery grey colour, is about the size of a turtle-dove. Its ruffling the feathers of its head, particularly on the cheeks, added to the smallness and peculiar way in which it holds its bill, which is always buried in its breast, gives it somewhat the appearance of a small screech owl. Its length is ten inches, of which the wedge-shaped tail measures half. The beak is three-quarters of an inch in length, pearl grey, or whitish. The forehead, to about the middle of the top of the head, the cheeks, throat, breast, and half the belly are of a light silvery grey, with shades appearing like grey stripes; the upper part of the body and tail are of a brilliant siskin green.

OBSERVATIONS.--This species is very mild, speaks but little, and even
seems to be of a melancholy turn. Its call, which is "_keirshe_," is
loud and sonorous. It is the same species which is mentioned in the
Travels of Bougainville, by Pernetty. "We found it," says he, "at
Montevideo, where our sailors bought several at two piastres a-piece.
These birds were very tame and harmless; they soon learnt to speak,
and became so fond of the men that they were never easy when away
from them." The general opinion is, that they will not live more than
a year and a half if kept in a cage; this prejudice is completely
refuted by the bird from which this description is taken, and which
may be seen in the collection of his Highness the Duke of Saxe
Meiningen.

THE RED AND BLUE HEADED PARRAKEET.

Psittacus canicularis, LINNÆUS; La Perruche à front rouge,
BUFFON; Der rothstirnige Sittich, Bechstein.

This species, which is rather common among us, is ten inches in length, of which the tail measures half, of which the folded wings cover one third; the forehead is scarlet, the top of the head a fine sky blue, paler at the back; the upper part of the body meadow green, the under lighter.

The forehead is orange, and the circle of the eye pale yellow may be peculiar to the female.

OBSERVATIONS.--This parrot is handsome, but does not speak. Although a
native of South America, is not very delicate or difficult to
preserve. The food as usual.

THE RED-CRESCENTED PARAKEET.

Psittacus lunatus, BECHSTEIN; Der Mondfleckige, BECHSTEIN.

This species, which I have not found described by any author, may be seen in the collection belonging to his Highness the Duke of Saxe Meiningen. Its length is eleven inches and a half, of which the tail measures six. The beak, one inch in length. The forehead is deep red, a crescent of the same colour extends towards the upper part of the neck, ornamenting the top of the breast; the upper part of the body is leek green, becoming a little darker on the head. The under part of the body is light green, slightly tinted with red on the breast; the under part of the pen and tail feathers is dirty yellow.

OBSERVATIONS.--I do not know of what country this parrot is a native.
It appears very lively, cries often and very loudly "_goeur, goeur_,"
speaks prettily and distinctly, and appears very healthy. The bird
from which the description is taken is certainly a proof that this
species will attain a great age, for it is very old.

THE GREAT WHITE COCKATOO.

Psittacus cristatus, LINNÆUS; Kakatoes à huppe blanche,
BUFFON; Der gemeine Kakatu, BECHSTEIN.

The size of this bird is that of a barn-door fowl, and its length seventeen inches. The beak is blackish, and the membrane at the base black; the iris is dark brown, the circle of the eye white. The whole of the plumage is white except the large quill-feathers and the exterior feathers of the tail, the inner beards of which are primrose-yellow to the centre. The tuft, which the bird raises and sinks at will, is five inches in length.

OBSERVATIONS.--At present, this species is only found in the Moluccas.
The general custom in Germany is to give it a spacious cage in the
form of a bell, from the top of which is hung a large metal ring, in
which it likes to perch.

The food of the cockatoo is the same as that of the other large
species of the same family; however, it appears to be very fond of
vegetables, farinaceous grains, and pastry. For its qualities, I
cannot do better than quote Buffon:

"Cockatoos," says he, "which may be known by their tuft, are not
easily taught to speak; there is one species which does not speak at
all; but this is in some measure compensated for by the great
facility with which they are tamed; in some parts of India they are
even so far domesticated that they will build their nests on the
roofs of the houses: this facility of education is owing to their
intelligence, which is very superior to that of other parrots. They
listen, understand, and obey; but it is in vain that they make the
same efforts to repeat what is said to them: they seem to wish to
make up for it by other expressions of feeling and by affectionate
caresses. There is a mildness and grace in all their movements, which
greatly adds to their beauty. In March, 1775, there were two, a male
and female, at the fair of St. Germain, in Paris, which obeyed with
great docility the orders given them, either to spread out their
tuft, or salute people with a bend of the head, or to touch different
objects with their beak and tongue, or to reply to questions from
their master with a mark of assent which clearly expressed a silent
_yes_: they also showed by repeated signs the number of persons in
the room, the hour of day, the colour of clothes, &c.; they kissed
one another by touching their beaks, and even caressed each other;
this showed a wish to pair, and the master affirms that they often do
so even in our climates. Though the cockatoos, like other parrots,
use their bill in ascending and descending, yet they have not their
heavy disagreeable step; on the contrary, they are very active, and
hop about very nimbly."

THE LESSER WHITE COCKATOO.

Psittacus sulphureus, LINNÆUS; Kakatoes à huppe jaune, BUFFON;
Der gelbhäubige Kakatu, BECHSTEIN.

The length of this species is fourteen inches and a half. The beak, the naked membrane, and feet are blackish; the circle of the eye is rather white, and the iris inclining to red. The general colour of this species is also white, with a primrose-yellow tint on the wings and tail, as well as a spot of the same colour under the eyes. The tuft, which is pointed, and composed of soft thread-like feathers, is of lemon-colour.

It comes from the same country as the preceding, to which it yields neither in elegance, intelligence, docility, nor mildness. It is fond of caresses, and returns them with pleasure: all its motions are equally full of grace, delicacy, and beauty. There are two varieties of this species, which only differ in size.

THE GREAT RED-CRESTED COCKATOO.

Psittacus Moluccensis, LINNÆUS; Kakatoes à huppe rouge,
BUFFON; Der rothäubige Kakatu, BECHSTEIN.

This species is a little larger than the common cockatoo, its size being almost equal to that of the red and blue maccaw. Its beak is bluish black, the membrane black, the circle of the eyes pearl grey, and the iris deep red. The feet are lead colour, the nails black. White, tinged with pale rose-red, is the prevailing colour; the tuft, which falls back on the head, is very large, most of the feathers being six inches in length; of which the under side is of a beautiful orange. In the side tail feathers, from the base to the centre of the interior beard, the colour is primrose-yellow; the under part of the pen-feathers has a tint of the same.

OBSERVATIONS.--This beautiful bird has a noble air; and, though often
tamed, it is rarely so caressing as the common cockatoo; its cry,
like that of the other species, is its own name; it also cries
"_tertingue_" very loud, and like a trumpet, and imitates the voice
of several animals, particularly the cackling of fowls and the
crowing of cocks. When it cries it flaps its wings.

Though a native of the Moluccas, it is neither delicate nor difficult
to rear.

THE RED-VENTED COCKATOO.

Psittacus Philippinarum, LINNÆUS; Le petit Kakatoes des
Philippines, BUFFON; Der rothbäuchige Kakatu, BECHSTEIN.

This species, the size of the grey parrot, is but thirteen inches in length. The beak is white, or of a pale flesh colour, and grey at the base; the circle of the eyes is yellowish-red; the feet are of a silver-grey; the general colour of the body is white; the head is ornamented with a tuft, in which there is nothing remarkable but its raising it in the form of a shell.

OBSERVATIONS.--It is a native of the Philippines. Its beauty and great
docility are its chief merits; for it cannot speak, and it also
appears of a jealous nature, being angry when it sees the other
parrots caressed, and making the unpleasant cry of "_aiai, miai!_"
but never "_cockatoo_."

THE BANKSIAN COCKATOO.

Psittacus Banksii, LINNÆUS; Le Kakatoes Noir, BUFFON; Der
Banksche Kakatu, BECHSTEIN.

This certainly is the handsomest, rarest, and most precious of all the cockatoos. It is as large as the red and blue maccaw, its length being from twenty-two to thirty inches. The beak is thick, yellowish, and black at the point; the iris red, and the feet black. Black is the prevailing colour of its plumage; the tuft is rather long, but in a state of tranquillity lies flat on the head, as in the preceding cockatoo; each feather has a yellowish spot exactly on the tip; the wing-coverts are also terminated with a similar spot.

VARIETIES.--Of this beautiful species there are several varieties.

1. Those with the beak lead-coloured; the tuft of a moderate size, black mixed with the yellow feathers; the throat yellow; the sides of the neck spotted with yellow and black; the tail as above; all the rest black, without any streaks on the under part of the body.

2. Those with the beak bluish grey, plumage olive, or black, with a yellowish tint on the sides of the head, but having no feather with a yellow tip. The belly of one colour, without streaks; tail as above. This may possibly be a young one.

3. Those with the beak raven-grey; the head, the neck, and the under part of the body of a dark dirty brown colour. The feathers on the top of the head and nape of the neck are bordered with olive: the upper part of the body, the wings and tail, of a brilliant black; the centre feathers of the latter are of one colour; the others scarlet in the middle, but without streaks. This is perhaps a female.

OBSERVATIONS.--This noble and handsome bird is still rather rare in
England, and still more so in Germany. It may be found in many parts
of New Holland; its motions resemble those of the common cockatoo and
the manner of treating it is the same.

THE ASH-COLOURED PARROT.

Psittacus erithacus, LINNÆUS; Le Perroquet cendré, ou le Jaco,
BUFFON; Der Gemeiner aschgrauer Papagay, BECHSTEIN.

This parrot and the following are the most common and docile that we possess. Its length is nine inches. The beak is black, the membrane at its base, and the circle of the eyes have a powdered appearance. The feet are ash-coloured, the iris yellowish. A fine pearl grey and slate-colour tinges the whole body; the feathers of the head, neck, and belly are edged with whitish grey; the tail, which is short, and of a vermilion colour, terminates and relieves this shining and watered plumage, which also has a powdered appearance. The male and female are alike, and learn with equal facility. Most of the birds of this species are brought from Guinea, but they also inhabit the interior parts of Africa, as well as Congo and the coasts of Angola.

FOOD.--In its native country it lives on all kinds of fruit and grain;
it will also become quite fat on the seed of the safflower, which to
man is so violent a purgative. Here it eats any of our food; but
white bread soaked in boiled milk, and fruits, are what it likes
best. Meat, of which it is very fond, brings on diarrhoea, as in
other parrots, and that kind of green sickness which makes it peck
itself and tear out its feathers, &c.

There are some instances, when treated with care, of their having
lived for sixty years.