PARROTS. 143 



trees. They sometimes assemble in large flocks. Some 

 are called Parrots, others Parakeets, Maccaws, Cockatoos, 

 or Lories. 



THE SCARLET MACCAW 



Is a native of South America, and the large West India 

 islands, where it frequents the woods. The tail is nearly 

 as long as the body, and from its tip to the end of the bill, 

 the bird has measured thirty-six inches. Its prevailing 

 colour is scarlet, its wings are blue with yellow covers, and 

 it has white cheeks. Flocks of these birds inhabit the 

 swampy savannahs of South America, where they fly 

 about screaming loudly. They fly the best of all the tribe, 

 and generally perch on the topmost branches of the trees. 

 They build in holes in old trees, enlarging them to their 

 need, and lining them with feathers. They breed twice a 

 year; both parents sit on the eggs. If taken young, they 

 are easily tamed and taught to speak. 



THE COCKATOOS 



Vary in size, and have generally large pointed crests, 

 which they erect at pleasure. Several species having only 

 on the inside of the crest feathers, some fine colour, such 

 as crimson, rose colour, yellow, orange, &c. 



THE GREY PARROT 



Is too frequently seen in this country to need descrip- 

 tion ; it is remarkable for its docility, vivacity, and distinct 

 articulation. It appears pretty universal in the tropical 

 regions, and is mostly imported into England from Angola 

 and Congo. Many are the anecdotes told of the sagacity 

 of this bird ; it may truly be trained to say many extraor- 

 dinary things. 



