464 



SCANSOEES, OE CLIMBEES. 



The family of Parrots comprises four principal groups 

 the Macaws, Parrakeets, Parrots properly speaking, and Cocka- 

 toos. 



The MACAWS (Fig. 184), the largest of the Parrots, are recog- 

 nisable from their bare cheeks and long tapering tails. They in- 

 habit South America, and are arrayed in the most brilliant colours. 

 The principal species are the Red, the Blue, the Green, and the 

 Black Macaws. The name Arara, by which they are known in their 



Fig. 186. Love-birds (Psittacula taranta, Gould). 



habitat (Brazil), describes the deafening cries which they utter. 

 Yery familiar, they tame easily, and do not abuse the liberty granted 

 them, for they never move far from their dwelling-place, and 

 always return to it. They like the caresses and attentions of people 

 they know, but do not care for strangers. The Green Ara is 

 remarkable for its aversion to children. This peculiarity doubtless 

 arises from the fact that it is very jealous, and that it often sees 

 children receive the caresses of its mistress. The Macaws have 



