9 
THE TYPICAL PARROTS. 163 
‘Tue BupcEricaR oR UNDULATED GRASS-PARAKEET 
(Melopsittacus undulatus)* is represented in Plate VI (Fig. 
2). This and the brief description attached to the plate 
will give an idea of the colours and markings, and it may 
be added that the centre tail-feathers and some spots on 
the cheek are rich blue. Both sexes are alike in plumage, 
but in the male the cere, or naked skin surrounding the 
nostrils, is rich bright blue, and in the female pale blue or 
pale brown—in the latter case she is just ready to breed. 
Young birds are much like the old ones, but have dark 
eyes and the pencilling of the head continued all over 
the forehead. 
This lovely little Parakeet, also known as Zebra Para- 
keet, Shell-Parrot, and Australian Love-bird, is, as 
the last name implies, a native of Australia. Indeed, 
the title Budgerigar, by which it is now generally known 
both in England and in India, is derived from the 
name ‘‘Betcherrygah’’ given toit by the Australian 
blacks. 
It is sociable in habits, going in large flocks, and 
for about half a century vast numbers have been ex- 
ported to Europe. Many also are sent to India, and 
they can generally be had in the Bird Bazaar at 
Calcutta at reasonable prices. Budgerigars are hardy 
and long-lived birds in captivity, and will some- 
times breed even when a single pair are confined 
in a cage. The proper way to breed Budgerigars is, how- 
ever, to turn about three pairs loose-into a fair-sized 
aviary ; as, unlike most birds, they breed better in com- 
pany, being sociable even in the breeding season. 
