98 Sojnc Notes on kccf'ing Parrakccis. 



kind. The species is an unsatisfactory one at liberty, although 

 it seems able to protect itself from owls in s])ite of its rather 

 small size. The majority are inveterate strayers. but now and 

 a.g'ain yon may chance on a pair who scarcely t^o 500 yards from 

 their home. A new mate turned out with an established bird 

 frequently takes it away at once, which seldom or never happens 

 in the case of a Pennant or Rosella. 1 should advise anyone 

 experimenting' with B]uel)onnets at liberty to keep the pair a 

 long" time in an aviary to begin with and then to release the cock, 

 when very hungry, near his mate and food, and. when he is 

 thoroug'hly used to the place, to allow the hen to join him when 

 slie. too. is pretty sharp set 



]>Jkd-capped or Ptleated Parrakeet (Porphyrocephahis 



spur'ms). 



The two outstanding- characateristics of this bird are its 

 excessive nervousness and its liability to chills. It is, however, 

 possible, with care, to harden it off so that it can be safely 

 wintered out of doors, but woe betide the aviculturist who 

 attempts to keep it in a slightly warmed birdroom or in an 

 enclosure which is the least bit draughty. 



Tn spite of its extreme timidity the Red-capped Parrakeet 

 is quite ready to breed in an aviary; it requires plenty of flying" 

 exercise, as. if caged durin.g the winter, the egg's are sure to 

 prove clear. 



The seed mixture should be the same as that given to 

 ordinary Broadtails, and plenty of fruit — apples, and grape«= 

 — as well as green-food — should be supplied. Young birds 

 have a green cap. and the whole plumage much duller than 

 tliat of the adult. Hens vary a good deal in colour. Some 

 remain almost. as dingy as immature birds all their lives; others 

 are brighter, but none have the clear red cap of the old male, a 

 few green feathers being always mingled with the red. 



Red-capped Parrakeets are rather restless and meddle- 

 some when kept with other birds, but not particularly murder- 

 ous, except during the breeding season; they are usually 

 mastered by Rosellas, etc. Judging from very limited experi- 

 ence I should say they would behave well at liberty. 



