282 BIRDS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. 



the size of a turtle clove, oreen on the upper, and ashen 

 grey on the lower, surface of the bod}'. It has bred freely 

 in numerous aviaries. 



The Whitk-Eaked Conure is a well-known representa- 

 tive of a sub-family or genus of South American parrots, 

 differentiated by their moderately long wedge-shaped tail. 

 It occurs in the northern parts of South America, and is a 

 pretty bird about the size of an English blackbird. The bill 

 is black, the head and cheeks brown, the ear coverts 

 white, the breast grey, the belly, vent, and under surface 

 of the tail red, and the rest of the plumage green. 



It is easily reconciled to captivity, and will breed in an 

 aviar}^ but is quarrelsome and dangerous with other birds, 

 epecially smaller parrakeets. 



THE GROUSE. 



The American members of this group now claim our 

 attention. 



Fami ly — Tetraonida;. 

 Genus — 



1. Tetrao. T. cupido. Praiiic Grouse. 



T. pJiasianellus. Sharp-tailed Grouse. 



2. OdontopJionis. O. guianensis. Guiana Partridge. 



3. Mekagris. J/, gallo-pavo. Turkey. 



The Grouse are well known for their peculiar habits 

 during the breeding season, when the males, which had 

 consorted together in perfect harmony during the winter, 

 separate in the spring, each bird taking a particular station, 

 from which he drives every rival who ventures to approach, 

 and there he struts and crows and displays his ruff and 

 crest and elongated plumes for the delectation of the 



