PARRAKEETS. 



437 



for its aversion to children. This peculiarity doubtless arises from 

 the fact that it is very jealous, and that it often sees children 

 receive the caresses of its mistress. The Macaws have only the gift 

 of imitation in a slight degree ; they are seldom able to repeat any 

 words, and articulate badly. 



Parrakeets, much smaller than Macaws, have, like them, long 



Fig. 165. Rosella Parrakeet. 



and tapering tails, but their cheeks are wholly or partially feathered. 

 Some species, which resemble the preceding group by being more 

 or less destitute of plumage round the eyes, for this reason have 

 received the name of Macaw-parrakeets. Parrakeets are highly 

 esteemed for their vivacity, gentleness, and the facility with which 

 they learn to talk. Their plumage is generally of a uniform green; 

 sometimes it is varied with red or blue. They inhabit South 

 America, Australia, the . Islands of Oceania, the Indies, Africa, and 

 Senegal, one of the most beautiful of the family being the Rosella 



