126 Some Notes on Keeping ParrakeetS. 



Malabar Parrakeet (Palceornis malabarica) . 



A very beautiful species, but, unfortunately rareh 

 imported. It is hardy, but the hens are very subject to egg- 

 binding- and must not be allowed to lay at a low temperature 

 The adult male has a red beak, and the female a black one 

 besides differing somewhat in plumage. It does well at liberty. 



Moustache Parrakeet (Palceornis fasciata ( ?) ). 



A common and hardy species, not particularly trus* 

 worthy in mixed company. The adult male has a red beak, and 

 the female a black one. 



Plum-headed Parrakeet (PalcBornis cyanocephala). 

 Blossom-headed Parrakeet (Palceornis rosa). 



Two closely allied species or local forms of one race 

 The Plum-head is one of the most beautiful of all Parrakeets, 

 and it is strange that it is not a greater favourite. It is hardv 

 and easily kept and is not unpleasantly noisy or quarrelsome. 

 It does not require much room, being a small bird, and will live 

 either in a cage, birdroom, or outdoor aviary. Hens are scarce, 

 and aviculturists are often disappointed through buying a young 

 cock in immature plumage, with lavender head and short tail 

 A genuine female is usually smaller than a young male and has 

 a narrower and more effeminate head. 



Long-tailed Parrakeet (Palceornis longicauda). 



A beautiful bird, but not suitable for English aviculture ; 

 it is of all parrots the most sensitive to cold, and requires a 

 temperature of at least 70 degrees to keep it healthy and happy. 

 Anything below 60 degrees reduces it to a condition of shivering 

 misery, usually ending in a fatal chill. The male possesses a 

 longer tail than his mate. Naturally the Long-tailed Parrakeet 

 has a reputation for doing badly in confinement, but I found no 

 difficulty with mine as long as they had a hot-house temperature 

 and plenty of fruit. 



(To be continued). 

 ^^♦-K 



