272 PET BIRDS OF BENGAL 



the cause of this nervousness. The Tuti 

 cannot be said to possess a 'protective 

 coloration' . Its briUiant crimson colour 

 makes it a very conspicuous target for 

 any bird or animal that may be inclined 

 to investigate its dietetic value. This 

 bird in the remote past possibly, led as 

 tormented a life as that of a new cele- 

 brity who suffers in modern times, un- 

 told agony in trying to dodge innumer- 

 able autograph-hunters. The primitive 

 Tuti's habit of being always ready against 

 the attacks of dano-erous creatures was 

 probably transmitted to its * progeny in 

 whom it appeared in the form of a latent 

 nervous feeling in its sub-consciousness. 

 The nervousness of these birds was 

 accentuated by their experience of constant 

 danojers all throuo^h their life. The ins- 

 tinct of self-preservation taught them to 

 be suspicious of every shadow and sound ; 

 and by hereditary transmission suspicious- 

 ness has now become part of their 

 nature. The defensive armour of some 



