THE TYPICAL PARROTS. 165 
It is evident that fanciers may yet do a good deal in 
the selective breeding of this charming little bird and 
this not only with regard to its colours, but its mental 
abilities also. Now and then a bird turns up which 
has an aptitude for imitating others ; I knew one which 
had learnt the song of an English Song-Thrush, and re- 
peated it most accurately in a very pretty undertone. A 
few talking Budgerigars have even been recorded—hand- 
reared birds, of course ; and a more charming pet than a 
tame talking Budgerigar could hardly be imagined. Of 
course a talking or mocking specimen should always be 
bred from, if possible, as its offspring will probably show 
more than average ability in that line. 
The Budgerigar is exceptional among Parrots in having 
a pretty little warbling chattering song of its own; it is 
constantly exchanging remarks with its neighbours, but 
is never an unpleasantly noisy bird. As a companion to 
others, it is treacherous, and should never be associated, 
especially when breeding, with smaller and weaker birds. 
Birds bigger than itself, but harmless, such as doves, 
and the strong-billed Finches, such as Java Sparrows, are 
the best associates for it. The Javas and Budgerigars in 
particular look very well together, and, both being foot- 
biters, know what to expect from each other, and so remain 
fairly civil. A breeding Budgerigar, however, may be too 
much for the domestic happiness of even a Java Sparrow, 
and so plenty of extra nesting-places should be provided 
if the two species are kept in the same aviary. 
Budgerigars are commonly trained by Italian women 
to ‘* tell fortunes’’; that is to say, they are carried 
