295 



IRotcs on Some of the IRarcr parrots at 



the (rr\)6tal palace Show in 2)ecember, 



1903. 



By Randoi.ph Quin. 



THE Rock Pepler (^Polytelis vielamird) is a some- 

 what rarely-imported bird allied to Barra- 

 band's Parrakeet, and a beautiful and interesting 

 pet, whether in cage or aviary. The more 

 correct Knglish name is " Black-tailed Parrakeet." 

 The origin of the strange term " Peplar" or " Pepler" 

 is uncertain — but it has been suggested that it is a 

 corruption of " Pebbler," meaning a bird which 

 frequents rock pebbles. It is a native of Southern and 

 Western Australia, where it appears to ])e fairly 

 common. Although a risky investment when newly 

 imported, the Rock Pepler becomes a reasonably hardy 

 bird, and lives well on a diet of seed, varied with fruit. 

 The species has recenth' been bred in this countr}' b\' 

 more than one aviculturist. 



The White-eared Conure {Pyrrhzda leucoiis), 

 is one of the prettiest and most interesting of the 

 Conures. It is not very often met with in this 

 country, though by no means rare. It is easily tamed 

 and quite hardy, but is rather dangerous with other 

 birds. All the Conures are screamers, but probably 

 the White-eared is the least troublesome in this way. 

 It is a native of Brazil. 



The Tui Parrakeet {^Brotogerys Ud) is the 

 smallesL of the so-called " Small-billed " Parrakeets, 

 and by many people considered the most attractive, on 

 account of its very gentle disposition. It can be dis- 

 tinguished from its congeners by the patch of yellow 

 on the forehead. This is another South American 



