All rights reset ved:\ [FEBRUARY, 1908. 



BIRD NOTES: 



THE JOURNAL OF 



THE FOREIGN BIRD CLUB. 



ZTbe riDoustacbe iparrakeet. 



Palceornis javanicus-laihami. 

 By Wesi^EY T. Page, F.Z.vS. 



The plate acconipaiiyiug these notes is a photograph from 

 a drawing from life, by Mr. J. C. Park, of birds owned by onr 

 esteemed member, Mr. F. Soniers, M.R.C.V.S., and which are 

 evidently in finest possible condition, having been winners at 

 several Northern Shows. This species has qnite a number of 

 vulgar names, viz. : Javan, Banded, Whiskered, and Red-breasted 

 Parrakeet, as well as the title at head of these notes, while it is 

 almost as well off for scientific sj'nonyms, the species being 

 alexandri, fasciatus, pondicerianus, osbeckii, niistaceus, while it has 

 been in turn relegated by various writers to the ^^ner a. psiltacus 

 and Palceornis ; iis German A&s\gi\a.Wou.hQ\u^ Der alexaiider. 

 sit tick von Java. 



Several species and local races are known as the Moustache 

 Parrakeet, and the opinion of Parrot lovers is very variable as 

 to its attractive qualities or otherwise. Canon Button, who has 

 possessed two specimens considers them ver}' unattractive, 

 though tame and gentle, and not so noisy as the Bengal Parra- 

 keet. Bechstein testifies to its being a fine talker, which others 

 have endorsed, while fully as many find it dull, stupid and un- 

 attractive ; amply illustrating the amount of individualism there 

 is among Parrots of every species. Personally I am of the 

 opinion that almost every species will talk a little, if pains be 

 taken with them, though javanicus is not so teachaljle as 

 torqnatus. Nevertheless, when in condition it is a fine and 

 handsome species and not diflScult to keep in health. A staple 



