54 Some Xofcs on Keeping Parrakceis. 



SrAXLKV 1'arkakkkt ( riatyeereus ietcrotis). Tlie 

 smallest of the Platyecrei and the only one the sexes of which 

 can be distinguished at a ,^■lance, the dull and patchy tints of 

 the female's breast l)eing a marked contrast to the brilliant 

 crimson of the male. The female has also tlullcr cheek patches 

 and less deep blue on the win,^-. Youn,!^ birds resemble their 

 mother but their plumage is duller and has more green in it. 

 The majority of Stanleys are single-brooded, but occasionally 

 a pair will go to nest twice. Stanleys are too small to be let. 

 at liberty when the trees are bare. 



Barnard's Parrakeet (Barnardius barnardi). Parrakeets 

 of the sub-genus Barnardius may be considered for avicultural 

 purposes as ordinary Plaiycerci and all that applies to the 

 latter applies to them as far as general management is 

 concerned. Barnard's Parrakeet is a very beautiful bird an 1 

 a trifle less quarelsome than other broadtails. The hen is 

 usually duller in plumage than the cock and has always a 

 smaller head and less swollen upper mandible; two broods are 

 reared in the season and the cock is a very patient and devoted 

 father to his numerous offspring. 



Port Lixcolx or Yellovv-xaped Parrakeet (Barnardius 

 se)nitorqiiati(s). A very variable species: at one time the 

 small, light coloured race with the yellow lower breast was 

 considered a separate species and named Bauer's Parrakeet, 

 but although a typical specimen shows many points of contrast 

 with the big, all-green, red-fronted variety, every possible 

 intermediate form exists and it is impossible to say where the 

 Bauer ends and the Yellow-naped begins. The size of the head 

 and beak is the only reliable indication of sex- there being no 

 striking difference in plumage. Two broods are reared in -i 

 season as in the case of the Barnard. The Port Lincoln is i 

 dangerous fighter, and nmst never be kept with birds likely 

 to dispute its supremacy. A cock Barnard, at liberty, who 

 unwisely entered into an unfriendly argument with a pair of 

 Port Lincolns I kept some years ago. was literally torn to 

 pieces by them, while a Bauer's Parrakeet, flying loose at the 

 same time, accounted for a Mealy Rosella and a Yello\v- 

 rump. by biting off their beaks. Weaker and less pugnacious 

 birds, however, were not injured. 



To be continued. 



