Anecdote of the breeding of the Grey Parrot in England. 55


spend any time in the Northern part of the new world. It would

also be interesting to trace them further South, through Mexico,

Central America, and the West Indies. I have noticed several

North American birds in Cuba and elsewhere that I have again seen

in Canada, and it is always a happy incident when the little friend

is recognised. And what an exciting moment is the sight of some

rare or unexpected specimen, and how well worth a long day’s

journey, every bird-lover will understand.



ANECDOTE OF THE BREEDING OF THE

GREY PARROT IN ENGLAND.


“ In a former number (‘ Zoologist,’ p. 104) is recorded an instance

of the Grey Parrot having laid eggs in this country. The circum¬

stances under which this occurred are sufficiently curious, and

deserving notice, but the following particulars are still more curious,

relating, as they do, to the complexion of the process of incubation

in the production of young birds, and may, I trust, prove interesting

to the readers of the ‘ Zoologist.’ Two Grey Parrots ( Psittaciis

erithacus) were purchased in the market of Sierra Leone in 1840,

when about six months old. They were brought to England, and

then separated, one being domiciled at Hull, the other at Riccall,

near York. In February, 1842, they were united at Riccall, and in

the July following the female laid three eggs. She made no nest,

and the eggs were taken from her. They were perfectly white, and

about the size of a pigeon’s egg. On June 10th, 1843, she again

commenced laying, and laid two eggs. A nest was now made for her

of flannel, and placed in a copper near the fire-place, where the old

bird sat exactly four weeks, and one bird was hatched. This bird

was reared, and is now in London. She again began laying in

November last, and produced three eggs; on these she sat four

weeks, and two birds were hatched ; one of these soon died from cold,

but the other is still living, and is a very fine bird. The cock bird

occasionally assisted the female in sitting on the eggs. I have not

had time to search for similar instances, but it is probable that some

might be found, though they are certainly matters of rare occurrence.



