THE TYPICAL PARROTS. 165 



It is evident that fanciers may yet do a good deal in 

 the selective breeding of this charming little bird and 

 this not only with regard to its colours, but its mental 

 abilities also. Now and then a bird turns up which 

 has an aptitude for imitating others ; I knew one which 

 had learnt the song of an English Song-Thrush, and 

 repeated it most accurately in a very pretty undertone. A 

 few talking Budgerigars have even been recorded hand- 

 reared birds, of course ; and a more charming pet than a 

 tame talking Budgerigar could hardly be imagined. Of 

 course a talking or mocking specimen should always be 

 bred from, if possible, as its offspring will probably show 

 more than average ability in that line. 



The Budgerigar is exceptional among Parrots in having 

 a pretty little warbling chattering song of its own ; it is 

 constantly exchanging remarks with its neighbours, but 

 is never an unpleasantly noisy bird. As a companion to 

 others, it is treacherous, and should never be associated, 

 especially when breeding, with smaller and weaker birds. 

 Birds bigger than itself, but harmless, such as doves, 

 and the strong-billed Finches, such as Java Sparrows, are 

 the best associates for it. The Javas and Budgerigars in 

 particular look very well together, and, both being foot- 

 biters, know what to expect from each other, and so remain 

 fairly civil. A breeding Budgerigar, however, may be too 

 much for the domestic happiness of even a Java Sparrow, 

 and so plenty of extra nesting-places should be provided 

 if the two species are kept in the same aviary. 



Budgerigars are commonly trained by Italian women 

 to " tell fortunes ; " that is to say, they are carried 



