364: THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
THE TABUAN OR KING’S PARROT. 
BY THE PRISONER’S FRIEND. 
so little known in this country that probably a few ob- 
servations on its beauty and habits may interest the 
readers of the FroraL Worzp. 
aia It is a bird of smallish size, closely related to the 
Ring Parrakeets, and in Mr. Vigors’ classification is placed between 
them and the pretty Nymphicus. The body is about the size of a 
pigeon, the bill is short, the head round, and without a crest; the 
face is feathered; there is no naked cere round the eyes, the legs are 
short, the whole contour smooth and elegant. The male bird which 
I have before me, is superbly coloured, the head, breast, and 
under parts being of a brilliant crimson scarlet; the back and wings 
deep green, with boldly defined scapular line of pale green cerulean ; 
the tail black, with brilliant green reflections. The long, broad tail, 
rounded at the apex, of an exquisitely rich black colour with metallic 
green scintillations, gives a very distinctive appearance, and it may 
be questioned if, amongst the many splendid birds to be found 
among the parrot tribe, there is one that surpasses, as there are cer- 
tainly but few that equal in richness of colouring, the brilliant King’s 
Parrot. The bird in my possession is a peculiarly fine specimen, as 
the males are not always so highly coloured, and the females have 
the head and neck green. I purchased it some ten years ago in 
Leadenhall Market for six pounds, thinking then, as I still think, the 
money was well bestowed, 
The Tabuan Parrot is a native of Australia. In the article on 
the Psittacide, in the ‘“ English Cyclopedia,’ occurs the following 
notice of it :—‘‘ Mr. Caley seldom noticed a full coloured specimen, 
that is, red. He states that when the Indian corn is ripe, they may 
be seen in large flocks on the farms, clinging on the stalks, and occa~ 
sioning much mischief to the corn. He apprebends that the greater 
part of these flocks are young birds, as it is rare to see a bright red one 
among them. The natives told him that this species breeds chiefly 
in a white gum-tree (a species of Hucalyptus), making its nest of a 
little grass, and lining it with feathers. It has,”’ he adds, “‘ as many 
as twelve young ones, and the eggs are of a dirty white, with black 
specks. The nest is found by its enlarging the hole at which it 
creeps in; this process gives the surrounding part a reddish appear- 
ance, which, forming a contrast with the whiteness of the’ other 
parts, renders it conspicuous.” 
As a cage-bird, this beauty is much to be desired; but truth 
compels me to say that it is far from perfect as a constant companion, 
for it is incessantly in action, is somewhat noisy, and utters sounds 
that are far from pleasing. But I could never tire of such a joyous, 
innocent, affectionate creature ; indeed, when my pretty fellow is 
likely to be troublesome, I remove him to another room, and give 
him the treat of chattering to himself. As a rule, his noises and 
