390 



THE PURPLE-CAPPED LORY. 



been sent to other countries, but, like the birds of paradise, they are often destitute of legs, 

 and in some cases even the long tail-feathers have been abstracted, thus entirely altering 

 the appearance of the bird. 



The colors with which this species is decorated are remarkably rich and intense. The 

 general color is deep scarlet, relieved by patches of azure, golden-yellow and grass-green. 

 The head, neck, the upper part of the back, and all the lower parts of the body are brilliant 

 scarlet, with the exception of two patches of azure-blue across the top of the head, edged 

 with deep purple. There are also some patches of yellow on the sides of the breast and the 

 thighs. The lower parts of the back, the upper tail-coverts, and the lower part of the legs are 

 deep azure, and the wings are green. The two long feathers of the tail are light grass-green 

 for the greater part of their length, and are tipped with golden-yellow. The remaining 

 feathers of the tail have their basal halves deep green, and the remainder golden-yellow. The 



PURPLE-CAPPED LORY. Damicella atricapilla. 



total length of the Papuan Lory is about seventeen inches, of which measurement the two long 

 tail-feathers occupy no less than eleven inches. The bill is orange-red, and the upper mandible 

 is much longer than the lower, but is not very sharply curved. 



ANOTHER beautiful example of these birds is given in the PURPLE-CAPPED LORY, a native 

 of the Moluccas and other islands. 



The reader will not fail to observe the great difference in form between this and the pre- 

 ceding species, caused chiefly by the shortness and shape of the tail. It is often used as a 

 cage-bird, and as it is readily tamed, is of an affectionate nature, and can be taught to speak 

 very creditably, is somewhat of a favorite among bird-fanciers. It is a lively and active creat- 

 ure, ever in motion, and is very fond of attracting the notice of strangers and receiving the 

 caresses of those whom it likes. 



Like the Papuan Lory, the principal tint of the plumage is rich scarlet, which is in even 

 greater abundance than in that bird. The top of its head is very deep purple, being nearly 

 black on the forehead, and passing into violet on the hinder part of the head. Upon the 



