108 THE GREAT GREEN MACCAW. 



the forests, or its food to the fruits there produced, 

 but attacks in congregated flocks the fields of maize, 

 and other cultivated grain and fruits. Upon these 

 it frequently commits serious depredations, to such an 

 extent, indeed, as to require the constant attention and 

 watching of the inhabitants during the period of ma- 

 turation. When engaged in their predatory excur- 

 sions, a guard is constantly left by the flock in some 

 elevated station, generally the summit of a tree, 

 from whence, should danger be apprehended, an 

 alarm is given by a loud and pecul-ar cry, which is 

 responded to by the immediate flight of the wary 

 depredators. They are also said to feed upon the 

 flowers of the Erytkince, and some species of Thi- 

 baudice, before the ripening of the grains, but whe- 

 ther this is merely to obtain the nectarious juice, as 

 practised by the Asiatic Lories and Australian Tri- 

 choglossi, or for the thick and fleshy substance of the 

 flower and embryo pod or seed-vessel, does not ap- 

 pear from Wagler's account. During the period of 

 the rains, which commence in October, the great 

 body of these birds migrate to other districts, and 

 do not return till the maize begins to ripen, which 

 takes place in January and February. It is easily 

 tamed, and of a docile disposition, but can rarely be 

 taught to articulate more than a few words. It ap- 

 pears to have been a favourite among the ancient 

 Peruvians, as we are told it was frequently presented 

 to the Incas, by their subjects, as an acceptable gift. 

 In size, it is inferior to several of the Maccaws, its 



