438 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



and insects. They seek the nesis of other birds, and devour their 

 eggs and recently-hatched young. When they obtain their prey, 

 they toss it into the air, and, catching it as it falls, swallow it whole. 

 The Parrots (Psittacus) have a large, hard, and sol id beak,- with the 

 upper mandible arched and strongly hooked. They climb trees by 

 the aid both of their beak and feet ; their tongue is fleshy and round; 

 and their toes short and strong. They readily become familiar, 

 and some species can be taught to imitate the human voice. The 

 plumage of Parrots varies in colour ; it is generally remarkable for 



FlG. 367. HEAD OF MACAW. 



its clear and 'vivid tints; frequently green predominates, while in 

 certain species red is the prevailing colour. Many of these birds 

 possess a wonderful degree of intelligence ; they learn to talk, re- 

 member tunes, and are very susceptible of education. They convey 

 their food to the beak with their claws ; they all eat fruit, but feed 

 likewise on buds, tender bark, roots, and the sweet juices of plants. 



To this family belong tlie Macaws, the Paroquets, the True Parrots 

 and the Cockatoos. 



ORDER OF GALLINACEOUS* BIRDS. 



The Gallinaceous Birds are terrestrial. They 

 have a short or moderately long beak, which is 

 vaulted above. Their body is heavy, and their wings 

 generally short. They all live upon grain, and are 

 furnished with a very strong muscular gizzard ; they 



* Gallus, a cock ; Gallina, a lien. Barn-door Fowls being taken 

 as the type of the order. 



