THE BROADTAIL GROUP 



1897 



abdomen yellowish green, and the lower breast yellow, with a scarlet band in the 

 middle. A large portion of the wings is blue, and while the two middle tail 

 feathers are green, tipped with blue, the outer ones are darker. The total length is 

 thirteen and one-half inches. This species inhabits Southeastern Australia and 

 Tasmania. It generally assembles in small flocks, and, although strong on the 

 wing, is not migratory. Its favorite haunts are open districts, and it specially fre- 

 quents cultivated lands, where it inflicts much damage on the crops. In addition to 

 seeds of various kinds, this parraquet is believed to consume insects and their larvae. 



ROSE HII.I. BROADTAIL. 

 (Two-fifths natural size.) 



It may be distinguished from most other parrots by its cry, which is described as a 

 kind of chattering or warbling, with some approach to a whistle. Frequently the 

 flocks may be observed feeding on the ground, and exhibiting little fear of man, 

 except when they have been much fired at. In the breeding season these birds col- 

 lect in large companies, making their nests in hollow trees, where from four to eight 

 or occasionally twelve eggs are laid; the males taking no share in the work of incu- 

 bation. Although a very noisy bird, the Rose Hill broadtail is well adapted to 

 captivity, being active and lively in its habits, and during the breeding season 

 dancing and singing in an amusing manner. It has frequently bred in Europe. 



