92 



THE COCKATOOS. 



THE COCKATOOS 



Are remarkable for the powdery surface of their wings, and the crest on 

 the head, which can be raised or depressed at pleasure. The Sulphur- 

 crested Cockatoo is an inhabitant of New Guinea. Its color is white 

 and the crest is of a sulphur yellow. Its white plumage glancing 

 among the dense dark foliage of its nativ^e forests, imparts a wonderful 

 beauty to the scene ; and, as Sir Thomas Mitchell remarks, " amidst the 

 un)brageous foliage, forming dense masses of shade, the white Cockatoo 

 sported like spirits of light." This Cockatoo is easily tamed, and is of 

 a very affectionate disposition. When in captivity it has been known 

 to live to the age of one hundred and twenty years. Its nest is built in 

 hollow trees and the crevices of rocks. The eggs are white. The 

 length of the bird is about eighteen inches. 



The Rosella is a truly splendid bird. Its feathers are of varied colors 

 — scarlet, black, blue, "white, green, etc. These beautiful parrots are 

 natives of New South Wales, where they are very common, but only in 

 sjiecial districts, often bounded by a brook over which they will not 

 pass. Open countries are their favorite resorts, or grassy hills and 

 plains planted with high trees. Travellers are unanimous in saying 

 that the impression made by the profusion of these magnificent birds 

 surpasses description. 



