259 



From the specimens I have been acquainted with at the London Zoo. 

 it certainly is a most attractive and intelligent species, and from its 

 demeanour with the keeper, one which can be fondled and petted in spite 

 of its large size, once it has become thoroughly acquainted with you. 



Little or nothing is known of its wild life, but though living where 

 hollow trees abound, it departs from the custom of its tribe and hollows out 

 a burrow on the bank of some stream in which to rear its brood — at least 

 so reports Azara. 



GLAUCOUS MACAW (A. glaucus): More rare if anything than the 

 preceding which it closely resembles, but it is of a greyer hue, and the head 

 and neck of a decided greenish tinge; cheeks, throat and crest slightly 

 tinged with brown. Total length 29 inches, of which the tail measures 15. 

 Hab. : Paraguay. Uruguay and Southern Brazil. (B.M. Cat.) 



This specimen was in faultless condition, and though I did not venture 

 to take any liberties out of respect for his formidable bill, it was perfectly 

 gentle with its fortunate owner, as with one or two exceptions were all the 

 species described in these notes, and even more so with the maid who 

 assists in attending to their needs. 



The Hon. and Rev. F. G. Button describes the Hyacinthiue and 

 Glaucous as being gentle and ready to allow anyone to handle them, and 

 that though he always approached strange Macaws with caution he, though 

 having made the acquaintance of some half-dozen specimens, found them 

 all alike good tempered and safe to fondle. 



Red and Blus Macaw [Ara macao): This gaudy and handsome 

 species is represented by a fine $ , and among the many I have met with I 

 have never seen one to surpass it for richness of colouring, tight and silken 

 plumage. 



The late Dr. Greene describes this species as being the " king of all 

 Macaws" : his size, 38 inches over all, of which the tail measures 24 — 

 grand plumage and proportions give to him a truly regal aspect. 



Dr. G. also describes him as docile, gentle and teachable, while 

 Bechstein says "they learn to repeat many words — to go and come, and 

 also to obey the least signal from their master." But I must not linger or 

 these notes will get beyond the patience of my readers. 



Adult: Rich scarlet is the prevailing hue; lower back, rump, upper 

 and under tail coverts light blue. Wings: upper coverts scarlet; greater 

 and median coverts and scapulars yellow, with green tips ; flights deep blue. 

 Tail feathers scarlet, with black shafts, the outer tail feathers almost wholly 

 blue; under surface of tail golden-red. Naked skin of cheeks flesh colour; 

 upper mandible white, with the tip and edges blackish ; lower mandible 

 black. 



Female : Similar to the male as to colour areas, but the hues of her 

 plumage not so rich or pure. 



Habitat: Brazil, Guiana, Mexico and Peru. 

 (To be continued). 



