257 



different from the sidling attack of the Budgerigar, nor is the 

 head moved round in the circular snaky style of the Lovebird. I 

 fully expected the villainous Starling" dig" and then to see the 

 mandibles opening well inside the little bird's head. But the 

 Pastor's flew peaceably, if not quietly away, to cuss away else- 

 where. It was rather an anxious moment with the Muskies too, 

 but they rapidly decided that it was time for more food. 



To get back a bit — I soon got some more, Blue-crowned 

 this time, of which one pair and one supposed hen (which turned 

 out a cock later) survived for a long time. An accident on the 

 way up gave me no chance of keeping some I purchased later, 

 bar another supposed hen which also turned out a cock. I had 

 little luck with another small lot, which I obtained in the Spring 

 of 1906. In plumage the cock began to assume the red throat- 

 patch in September 1907, the yellow band on the back having 

 appeared some time before, how long before I failed to note, but 

 less than six months at any rate. By Spring 190S the throat- 

 patch was not in its full glory, but I think that was the fault of 

 the individual, as my other young cock moulted straight out in 

 one Autumn, which is their moulting season. Of course this 

 other cock may have been older when I got him, but I had him 

 about eighteen mouths before he showed any signs of change of 

 plumage. I think one may safely say they do not attain adult 

 plumage till two years old. 



( 7o be continued). 



flDrs. Hnmngson's Collection of parrots, 

 Cockatoos, etc 



By W. T. Pack, F.Z.S. 

 {Cojitbiued from page 227) 

 Grkat Whitk-crestkd Cockatoo {Cacatua alba): This is another 

 very uncommon though well-known species, rivalling a Macaw as to size. 

 but of course with only a short tail. It is very seldom on the English 

 market, and such species as reach this country mostly come via the Con- 

 tinent. As its name implies it is an all white bird save for the inner web of 

 the quills and tail feathers, which are yellow ; naked skin round the eyes 

 bluish-white; bill black; legs and feet blackish grey. A narrow white 

 circle surrounds the eye ; the irides are black s , brown ■? . Length over 

 all ]S inches. 



