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changing until the full plumage of maturity is assumed ; and hence has

arisen no little confusion respecting this species in the writings of the older

ornithologists.”


Your bird, therefore, is probably not fully matured.


A. G. Butler.


[There is a very rare Parrakeet, which is said to inhabit the interior of

New South Wales, known as Masters’s Parrakeet {Platycet cits mastersianus) a

specimen of which is at present on view at the Zoological Gardens. It is

very like Pennant’s Parrakeet but has much more blue on the plumage,

and it is possible, although hardly probable, that the bird owned by Signora

Baldelli is referable to this species. — E d.]



THE PRAIRIE OR BURROWING OWE.


Sir, — I should be greatly obliged if you could tell me if the sex of

the American Burrowing Owl can be distinguished by the plumage.


About two months ago, I bought a couple from a dealer in

Bournemouth. When they arrived, they had chocolate-coloured head

feathers, and a few largish speckles on their breasts, the under parts being

brownish. In a very short time they assumed what I suppose is their adult

plumage, viz., speckled heads and thickly spotted breasts, the under parts

in one bird especially becoming much whiter. This bird has white eye¬

brows, and a white patch under the chin. It is the larger and more

forward of the two. The other bird much browner, and has very little

white about it; it is also slighter u build.


The backs, wings, and tails of both resemble those of the Little Owl

in colouring. E. F. Chawner.


The following reply was sent to Miss Chawner:


The female Owl is usually the larger ; and my female BurrowingOwl

is slightly larger and more thick-set than her mate. But, as far as plumage

is concerned, it is your smaller bird that is most like the female.


Have you noticed which bird hoots ? Towards evening, I frequently

see the male hooting, but have never detected the female so doing. Of

course, during the night, I do not know which bird it is that hoots.


Watch your birds, and observe which is the more talkative and

sprightly, and the more ready to come to the front to do battle.


My female is a splendid mouser. Reginald Phillipps.


[Note. — Further information received seems to prove that, in this

case, it is the larger, lighter-coloured, white-chinned bird, which comes

bowing to the front with out-spread wings to protect its mate, that is the

male.—R.P.]



