Tlie Cochateel. 115 



rare for them to return again. Imported specimens evince a 

 desire to breed about Christmas, but birds which have boen 

 reared in England nest in April or May They are perfectly 

 hardy, although natives of Australia, and seem to be quite 

 indifferent to the severest weather; for I have repeatedly seen 

 mine roosting out of doors during hard frost, when they might 

 just as well havL^ gone under cover, and not suffering in the 

 least from the exposure. 



Cocvateels peraiit themselves to be bullied to any extent 

 without attempting to retalliate on their tormentors; not only 

 Iledru nps and Turquoisines, but even Cardinals and Bud- 

 gerigars driving them away from the food-pan with impunity. 



When wild the Cockateel feeds on grass seeds, passing much 

 of its time on the ground, where, as its legs are longer than 

 those of most of its congeners, it can run very swiftly. I 

 am not aware whether it eats insects in its native haunts, 

 but mine will when they can get them, mealworms, black- 

 beetles, and even green caterpillars with apparent relish. This 

 bird is also very strong on the wing, and it is a pretty sight 

 to see it wheeling round and round at a great height, gradually 

 restricting the circle, and descending in a spiral to rest on 

 its master's hand or shoulder, for it is readily tamed, and 

 even occasionally learns to repeat a few words. 



The natural warbling note of the Cockateel is rather loud 

 and harsh, and it has, moreover, a sharp squeal, when frightened 

 or hurt, that is exceedingly distressing to a sensitive ear. 

 The female is a particularly silent bird, seldom making a noise 

 of any kind, but she is far, nevertheless, from being dumb, 

 and can upon occasion scream as loudly as her mate. 



As Cockateels are very active and lively it is a pity to 

 keep them in a cage, where they always look unhapi)y: with 

 plenty of space to play in, few birds are more attractive. 



