THE PARROT. 101 



for, as a rule, the green feathers are beginning to sprout 

 before they are taken and brought in. The fledged young 

 bird can be always known from the old one by its dark 

 eyes, a point to be borne in mind by those who are buying 

 Parrots as pets ; the old bird's eyes are white that is to 

 say, their iris is, clearly showing off the waxing and waning 

 pupil which gives the bird such a knowing, wicked look. 

 There is probably some meaning in this expression, for 

 light eyes in birds are often indicative of a bad disposition 

 in their owners ; the yellow-eyed Black-crested Yellow 

 Bulbul (Otocompsa flaviventris) is much more spiteful 

 than its common dark -eyed relations ; and any falconer 

 knows that the yellow-eyed short-winged hawks, such as 

 the goshawk and sparrow-hawk, have much less manage- 

 able tempers than the true falcons, which are all dark- 

 eyed. 



In spite of her " canister look in the heye," however, 

 Polly makes a nice pet, and is often an excellent talker. 

 The only Indian Parrot I ever actually heard talk was 

 a specimen at a bird show at home, which constantly, 

 marked in a thin piping, but very clear voice " Waiter 

 bring Polly pint of beer, quick, quick, quick ! ' ; This 

 was a hen bird, and so I conclude that the sex is not of 

 prime importance in a talking Parrot. As most people 

 know, the male of our common Parrot can be easily distin- 

 guished by the pink ring round his neck, which, however, 

 is not found in the newly-fledged bird, but is a sign of 

 maturity. Curiously enough, this pink ring remains in 

 the lutino or yellow variety, which is not uncommon, and 

 sells for a high price. It certainly is a most lovely bird, 



