PARROTS. 85 
nearly world-wide in their distribution, but do not extend very far to the 
north. The most familiar form is the Common Barn-Owl (S. /lammea) 
(1003), generally distributed throughout the British Islands and locally 
common in Europe and North Africa. 
Order XXIV. PSITTACIFORMES. Parror-rrree. 
The Parrots include about 500 species, which are grouped into 
about 80 genera and 2 families. They possess certain characteristics 
which isolate them from the majority of birds, and have in consequence 
been placed in very varied positions in the numerous schemes which 
have been propounded for the classification of birds. On account 
of their superior intelligence some ornithologists have placed them 
at the head of the series, while others have associated them with the 
Picarian or climbing-birds on account of their zygodactyle foot with 
two toes directed forwards and two backwards. Their most natural 
position in a linear arrangement of birds appears to be after the Hawks 
and Owls and before the Picarian birds. Like the latter as well as 
many of the Owls, Parrots nest in holes and lay white eggs, while the 
cere or waxy skin covering the base of the bill isa characteristic feature 
shared with the Hawks. The form of the short, stout and strongly 
hooked bill, with the upper mandible moveable and articulated to the 
skull, is the most distinguishing character and one by which all Parrots 
may at once be recognised. ‘The nestling, when first hatched, is 
completely naked but subsequently covered with thick grey down. 
Family I. Pstrractpo. True Parrors. 
On the floor of this Case we find the Owl-Parrot or Kakapo (Séringops 
habroptilus) (1006) (the type ofa distinct subfamily Siringopine), which, 
though possessing fully developed wings, is incapable of flight, and like 
many other New Zealand birds in a similar condition is rapidly 
disappearing. It derives its trivial name from the disc of feathers round 
the eye and from its nocturnal habits. During the day it hides in holes 
under roots of trees and rocks, but at sunset it emerges to feed on grass, 
seeds, berries and roots, ete., which form its principal food. It generally 
remains on the ground but occasionally climbs trees, when the wings are 
used to balance the body as the bird jumps from one bough to another. 
No nest is made, and the two or three large white eggs are deposited ia 
a burrow under some root or rock. The Kakapo is said to be a very 
clever and intelligent bird and makes an affectionate and playful pet. 
In the next subfamily, Psittacine, which includes the bulk of the 
species, we commence with two ground-species resembling the remarkable 
9 
G w 
[Cases 
55, 56.] 
[Case 55.] 
