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P)aciical Bird-Keeping. — IV. Pa? >akeeis.


known as the Lorikeets. They are a restless active group,

mostly clad in brilliant colours. Their natural food consists

of the sweet nectar and pollen of flowers, principally that of

the various species of Eucalyptus. But they also partake largely

of fruit, and are in consequence a great trial to colonial fruit¬

growers. In captivity they are not, as a rule, difficult subjects.

They should be fed upon sweetened milk-sop, which is made by

pouring boiling milk upon plain biscuit and sweetening with

cane sugar. Ripe fruit in season is also essential. Some species

are fairly hard} 7 , but in the writer’s opinion it is advisable to

allow them to have access to a warmed compartment in cold

weather.


Lorikeets are not very free breeders in captivity, but

several species have reared young. For a nest the ordinary

parrakeet nest-box as described above is all that they require.


Swainson’s or the Blue-Mountain Lorikeet ( Tricho -

gloss?is nonce-hollandice) is the best-known species, and makes a

delightful aviary bird, brilliantly clad in green, red, blue and

yellow. It is a common species in the Eastern parts of Australia.


The Red - collared Lorikeet (T. rubiitorques) is the

north-western form of the last-mentioned, while the Ornate

Lorikeet (71 ornatus) comes from Celebes.


The closely-allied genus Psilleuteles, which is doubtfully

distinct from Trickogloss?is, contains birds which differ chiefly in

the absence of any red colouring in their plumage, being chiefly

green and yellow. The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (T 3 . chloro-

lepidotes) inhabiting the South-east of Australia is a well-known

member of this genus. Another denizon of the same region,

but one rarely imported on account of its reputed delicacy when

first captured, is the Musky Lorikeet (Glossopsiilacus concinnus)

a charming bird that is not difficult to keep under proper treat¬

ment.


In the foregoing very brief sketch of a most delightful

group of birds it has only been possible to mention the mere

names of a few of the species that can be kept in this country.

For a more complete account of these birds I would refer the

reader to my book entitled Parrakeets, which deals exhaustively

with the imported species.



