212 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



The larger specimens are sometimes kept singly when caged, but it is always 

 better to keep them paired. In no other class of birds is the grief at losing the 

 mate so tenderly expressed and shown as in that of the Paroquets. 



Probably the best-known variety of Paroquet, after the Australian or Grass 

 Paroquet, is the African Love-bird. This handsome specimen is readily known 

 by the bright orange color of the head : the remainder of the body is clear green, 

 with the exception of the tail, which is tipped by spots of orange and black. The 

 tail, which is short, is spread out like a small fan when the bird is excited, and 

 gives him an extremely pretty appearance. This specimen of Paroquet is about 

 six inches in length, and inhabits the forests of the central parts of Africa. They 

 always fly in large flocks, and when perched in long lines make a striking appear- 

 ance indeed : they sit so closely together, that they appear like one unbroken mass, 

 instead of thousands of individuals. They are a very hardy class of birds, and 

 thrive in perfect content on canary and millet seeds. 



It is commonly supposed, that the means of distinguishing the male from the 

 female is by the color on the head ; the male is thought to have the brightest colors ; 

 this is usually the case : but the certain way of ascertaining is, to examine the inside 

 of the wings ; the entire inside of the male bird's wing is of a brilliant violet black ; 

 while the female bird is plain green, the same color as the remainder of the body. 

 It is said that this variety of Paroquet cannot be bred in confinement. Whether it 

 has been attempted in a scientific manner I do not know : however, I know of no 

 reason why they could not be bred as easily as any other specimen. They make 

 very pretty and desirable pets ; being used, in addition to aviary purposes, for the 

 sick-room, where they become great favorites, their tender affection and noiseless 

 ways affording pleasure to an invalid. They are also great favorites with children, 

 and become so tame and playful that their presence in the nursery is absolutely 

 essential. 



They are not fond of dainties, their every desire being centred in the plain 

 canary-seed, which should be their chief food. For a change they may be given 

 French millet, or even hemp-seeds, mixed with the canary-seed. The most suitable 

 cage for pairs is the all brass, 10 x 13 size. The Red-faced birds rarely ever bathe, 

 although they remain in perfect plumage throughout the year. They take great 

 pride in arranging the feathers, pluming and stroking one another with great fre- 

 quency. It is a good idea to give them a shower-bath of lukewarm water at 

 intervals, which will greatly add to the beauty of the feathers. When allowed their 

 freedom, they rarely attempt to escape, seeming to appreciate the favor granted 

 them. 



The diseases to which they are subject are few, the chief being decline, which is 

 usually brought about by the loss of a mate or by old age. They will stand a good 

 degree of cold weather, being somewhat hardier in this respect than other members 

 of the family, and are thus suited for the outdoor aviary. 



When attacked with sickness, which shows itself by the rough, disordered appear- 

 ance of the feathers, and hiding the head beneath the wing, the bird should at once 

 be removed to a very warm place, and fed on crushed hemp : a few drops of sherry- 

 wine should be added to the drinking-water ; and, when it is not voluntarily taken, 

 the bird should be caught out of the cage, the beak gently opened, and the dose 

 administered with a spoon. 



