248 PARROTS. 



of pigeons. The female deposits from two to four eggs on the 

 bare wood in holes of trees. 



The Ash-coloiired or Grey Parrot [Psiitaais eryihacus) is one of the 

 species most frequently kept in England, and is familiar to all. It inhabits 

 the woods of tropical Africa. 



Sub-Family V. 

 THE COCKATOOS. CACATUIN^. 



General Characteristics. — Bill generally large, of various lengths, broad at the 

 base, more or less compressed on the sides, and the culmen usually much arched to 

 the tip, which is very acute ; tlic wings generally rather long and pointed ; the tail 

 more or less long, broad, and mostly even ; the tarsi short, robust, and covered 

 with small scales ; the toes unequal. 



The Cockatoos are readily distinguished from the preceding 

 Parrots by the presence of a large crest, which the birds are able 

 to elevate or depress at pleasure. Their name is an imitation 

 of their peculiar cry. These beautiful birds are found in the 

 Molucca Islands and on the continent of Australia. Some prefer 

 the lofty trees that border large rivers and such as are located in 

 swamps ; other species frequent such as grow in the open plains 

 and clear lands. They are very shy, and it is therefore rather 

 difficult to get near them; but though not usually seen, their 

 presence is easily discovered by their loud screaming notes, the 

 effect of which is much increased by their vast numbers. They 

 subsist entirely on vegetable substances, such as hard seeds, nuts, 

 and small tuberous and bulbous roots, and generally swallow small 

 stones along with their food. They commit great depredations 

 in the cultivated lands, and destroy the smaller branches of trees 

 by stripping oft" the bark, which they sometimes cut into small 

 pieces : the appearance of this work of devastation generally in- 

 dicates that their nest is in a neighbouring tree. 



A remarkable group of Cockatoos, distinguished by the generic 

 name Licmctis, peculiar to the continent of Australia, live in 

 flocks on trees that grow near rivers and swamps. Their food 

 consists of bulbous roots, which they scratch up from beneath the 

 ground, sometimes from a considerable depth. Their voice is 

 more plaintive than that of most of the race. 



