VOL. I] Andrew Fackson Grayson. 57 
_ These parrots are always found in pairs and many pairs congre- 
gate together forming large flocks. During the breeding season, 
the pairs divide off and do not mingle together until the young are 
abie to fly. Their breeding season is in March and April, and both 
birds assist in incubation. — 
In the evenings they may be seen in flocks or pairs flying at a 
great height, going to the mountainous portion of the island to 
roost. Their flight appears easy, and in a straight line without un- 
dulations and is performed by the constant and moderate move- 
ment of the wings. 
They feed principally upon the kernels of various kinds of hard 
seeds and particularly upon a large bean of a species of acacia 
which is in great abundance, they are also very fond of the seeds of 
the morning glory (Convolvulus) which grows here very rank, 
ascending and spreading over trees of considerable height. 
Like all the species of the Psz/tacide this parrot feeds its young 
by ejecting into their mouths the well masticated food from its 
own stomach and I have seen the grown ones receive food from 
their mates in a similar manner, when caressing each other upon 
‘the limb of a tree. After their morning’s repast they repair to the 
most secluded and shady retreats, where they spend most of the 
- day, keeping up at times their loud squalling notes and alternately 
dozing. When the shades of evening begin to appear they again 
assemble in flocks, flying about in different directions in search of 
food. Ata later hour they ascend to a considerable height and 
_ seek their resting place. C 
Figure in plate (male) nearly nat. size. 
| Remarks.—Specimens of this species sent to Prof. Baird of 
- Smithsonian Inst. for identification. In a letter to me he states 
that he thinks it a new and undescribed species. In this remote 
region, with but few books for reference, it would be difficult to 
identify species without such valuable assistance from one of the 
best and most comprehensive ornithologists of America, with whom 
I have long had an agreeable and interesting correspondence. 
~ Roap RunNER. Geococcyx mexicanus (Less. )—This remarkable 
bird—which the Mexicans call “Churea,’’ or ‘‘ Correo del Camino”’ 
(Road Runner), so called from the habit it has of sometimes run- 
ning along a path or road—seldom fails to attract the attention of 
the traveler by its solitary and peculiar habits, often, too, in the 
