238 THE SPEAKING PARROTS. 



Ceram, the Eastern Moluccas, New Guinea, Australia, Tasmania, 

 the New Hebrides, New Caledonia, New Zealand, the Norfolk 

 and Auckland Islands, and some groups of the South Sea, the 

 Fiji, Friendly, and Society Islands ; one species is also found on 

 the Macquarie Islands, the most southerly point which parrots 

 inhabit. Their nest, like that of other parrots, is said to be 

 found in hollows in trees, especially the holes in the branches of 

 the eucalyptus, and contains four to eight, or even twelve eggs ; 

 moreover, they are said to hatch several broods annually and 

 consecutively. After the nesting season they usually unite in 

 large flocks, each species separately, seldom several varieties 

 together, and fly about seeking food. Besides grass-seeds, they 

 are said to eat many species of fruits, honey, and insects. Flying 

 about only in the twilight, they sit quietly throughout the day, 

 but are uncommonly lively early in the morning and in the 

 evening. 



Many of the Fiat-tailed Parrakeets cause considerable damage 

 to the corn and other crops ; and for this reason, as well as on 

 account of the delicious quality of their flesh, they are keenly 

 pursued for sport ; but of late they have been more generally 

 captured at the wells, &c., with large nets, for exportation to 

 Europe. 



In captivity, we are met at the outset by the difficulty already 

 referred to — namely, that directly after importation they are ex- 

 ceedingly delicate, and die from the slightest ailment. This 

 arises chiefly from their being (as I mentioned when speaking 

 of the large parrots, on p. 8) so improperly treated — first, by 

 the wholesale buyers abroad, and then during their voyage to 

 Europe. If they arrive sound and healthy, are acclimatised 

 according to the directions given on pp. 17 et seq., and are 

 managed properly, they are amongst the hardiest of all cage- 

 birds. Amateurs are emphatically warned against sudden 

 changes in food or general treatment. 



The newly-purchased Platycerci should at first be given 

 only the food which has been recommended by the dealer. It 

 consists entirely of seeds. Canary or hemp are usually the 

 seeds found in the travelling cages of the newly -imported 

 birds ; and if to one of these the other be immediately added 

 it may cause death. Only after they have been kept for weeks, 

 and after one is fully convinced of the healthiness of the birds, 

 should suitable seeds be given, and then in small, gradually 

 increasing quantities ; and it is desirable in this way to accustom 



