i86 I'our Species of Lovebirds. 



my aviary accommodation is, tliis season, decidedly limited, 1 

 have not been able to give them full scope. 1 should imagine 

 this species is not at all difficult to breed, at least, with my pair 

 I have every hopes of success next season. 



Their main dietary is a mixture of canary, large millet, 

 oats and hemp; they are very fond of the latter, but 1 gi\e them 

 very little, for if their liking is gratified they become fat and 

 gross very cjuickly, and are then very sluggish. As extras 

 they get one millet spray per diem, with an occasional bunch of 

 seeding" grass, and this seems to fulfil all their wants. Fruit 

 is invariably in their cage, but they practically ignore it, straw- 

 berries beng about the only fruit I have seen them touch. 



Bluk-winged Lovebird or I'.asserine Parrotlet 

 {Psiitacula passerina) : These active little birds are unlike any 

 of the preceding" trio in their actions, and I believe they must 

 belong to a different group. They are very active indeed, and 

 to be seen to advantage must be in a large aviary, where the 

 cock can display his brilliant blue rump and wing patches in 

 flight. 



My pair are practically hardy and in finest condition. 

 Their sleek green plumage, peering black eyes, and fiesh- 

 colcured beaks form a pleasing combination, and an equally 

 p'.easing contrast to the other occupants of the flight. 

 Although they took ]:)ossession of a large husk, nothing has 

 r'^sulted, not even eggs. Their mode of hollowing out a husk 

 ry scratching" and tearing pieces off witli their beaks is similar 

 to that of the Budgerigar. They never attempted to carry any 

 nesting" material, and I rather think a small rustic log nest with 

 a spout to run dov/n would suit them best. They are very 

 active on the ground, very quick in flight, and cpiite inoffensive 

 and harmless to other birds. I consider them a charming 



addition to any mixed series of birds. 



Their bill of fare is a very simple niatter : oats, canary, 

 millet, hemp, and even sunflower and safflower seeds are eaten. 

 Sweet fruits of any kind they eat freely, and nothing in the 

 green-food line seems to come amiss to these active little 

 {•arrotlets. 



