THE FIOmJSTyE, OR LONG-WINGED PARROTS. 12S 



the feet black-brown ; the claws black. The female — head, 

 a lighter brown-grey ; the lower part of the body uniformly 

 yellow (without any orange-red) ; the lower coverts of the tail 

 yellowish-green ; otherwise it corresponds to the male. Size, 

 scarcely that of a jackdaw (length, lO^in. to llin. ; wings, 

 5 Jin. to G^in. ; tail, 2iin. to 2 Jin.). 



It is known to be a native of West Africa and Senegambia^, 

 but it probably exists in the far interior of Africa. 



The Senegal Parrot is noticeable only as an ornamental bird 

 for Zoological Gardens or special fanciers. The older writers 

 assert unanimously that it has no talent for speech ; but this 

 has of late been several times refuted, cases being shown in 

 which the Senegal Parrot has learnt to speak. 



These descriptions proceed from the two gentlemen named in 

 the last chapter and from Mr. A. E. Blaauw. The old bird of 

 this species is exceedingly untameable and stupid ; with wild 

 screams it throws itself headlong from the perch when anyone 

 approaches, presses itself into a corner, stupid and shy, and 

 utters a peculiar rattling sound ; the young birds are easily 

 tamed and very affectionate. One of this kind was able to 

 open any door, was fond of play, and extraordinarily droll, also 

 gentle and good-tempered, allowed one to scratch its head or 

 take it from the cage and pet it ; it only learnt, however, to 

 imitate a few words, but it could copy the voices of other birds. 

 Mr. Blaauw, in Amsterdam, says that his Senegal Parrot spoke 

 French prettily, very clearly, and with a soft voice. " It sounds 

 very strange when it mixes up the words and sentences with its 

 natural cries, and at the same time screams articulately." 



Immediately after importation, at least in later times, this 

 otherwise healthy and hardy bird becomes very weakly. It 

 becomes ill then from every change of diet ; also, as would 

 appear, when given hemp seed abundantly. Therefore, it should 

 at first only get canary seed and oats, and, later on, be accus- 

 tomed by degrees to hemp and sunflower seed. It must always 

 have the addition of good sweet fruit, but in small quantities. 



— »^a>-5;.32«vL- 



