All rights reserved]. [June, 190S. 



BIRD NOTES: 



THE 



JOURNAL OF THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB. 



£be (Brecn or flDeyican 3at>. 



(Xanthoura luxuosa). 

 By Mrs. E. Warren Vernon. 



I have obtained a grass-green Inca Jay, and as it may be 

 unknown to some of our members, a slight account of him may 

 be interesting, and I hope Mr. Page will supplement this article 

 with correct name, habitat, etc. * 



It is a lovely bird, with really gorgeous plumage. Front 

 of head, spot over eye, and nape of neck bright cobalt blue ; 

 crown green shot with blue ; sides of head and throat black, 

 relieved with several patches of sheeny purplish-blue ; the blue 

 of the nape iniperceptably merges into the grass-green of 

 the back and upper surface ; the breast and entire under surface 

 is lemon-yellow ; two central tail feathers peacock-blue, the 

 remainder grass-green ; beak black; legs pale green ; eye bright 

 3 T ellow with black iris, which dilates like a parrot's. 



He is a very lively, vigorous and interesting bird, full of 

 character, most decidedly a knowing bird. His beak is very 

 strong, and he has a curious way of hitting or banging away at 

 his perch with it if you look at him — as if to say he'd do the 

 same to you if he could. His favourite cry is like a policeman's 

 rattle, though he has other curious noises. He really is a delight- 

 ful bird, bold and fearless, never in the same position for many 

 minutes together, vivacious and full of life, and as he looks at 

 you with his wicked or mischievous looking eye, combined with 

 his glorious tropical plumage, he is a handsome fellow indeed, 

 and his grandeur once seen is not readily forgotten. 



* I have placed correct name at head of article, and I am of the opinion that this 

 species will be known to but few of our members. Mrs. Vernon's interesting: and un- 

 common bird is one of six or seven that have been recently imported, though I am of the 

 opinion that they include at least two species.— Ed. 



