148 THE ROSE-RINGED PARRAKEET. 



verts are yellowish green, inclining to gold colour ; the vent 

 scarlet, -with a blueish tinge at the end of the feathers. The 

 tail is green, with the inner half of the first three feathers red 

 at the root ; the feet strong and grey. 



Observations. This bird, which is a native of Guiana, lives 

 long in captivity, and though it does not talk, is prized for its 

 tameness and gentle disposition. It is searce even in its native 

 country. 



52. THE EOSE-ETNGED PARRA.KEET. 



Psittacus Pullariw, LIN. Perruche a tete Rouge, BUF. Der Rothkopjiye 

 Guineische Par kit, BECH. 



Description. To this little Parrot, which is not larger than 

 a common Crossbill, and much esteemed throughout Europe, on 

 account of its beauty and affectionate disposition, bird-sellers 

 give the name of the Guinea Sparrow. The beak is red, 

 growing lighter towards the tip ; the naked membrane and the 

 bare circle of the eyes are ash-coloured. The feet are grey ; 

 and the iris blueish. The general colour of the plumage is 

 green, which is lightest on the lower part of the body. The 

 front of the head and the throat are red ; the border of ' the 

 wings, and the lower part of the back, blue ; the superior tail 

 coverts green. The upper portion of the tail feathers is red ; 

 below this is a narrow black stripe, and the tips are green. 

 The two centre feathers are entirely green. 



In the female the colours are similar, though not so dis- 

 tinctly marked ; the red tinge on the head is lighter, and the 

 wings are bordered with light yellow. 



Observations. These birds are natives of Guinea, India, 

 Java, and all parts of the torrid zone of the eastern hemisphere. 

 They were formerly scarce in Europe, but are now to be seen 

 at every bird- seller's ; probably because the method of treating 

 them during the voyage is now better understood. They are 

 so affectionate that they cannot be kept except in pairs ; and if 

 one dies, it is necessary, to preserve the survivor, that a mirror 

 should be hung near the cage, to cheat it into the belief that 

 it is not alone.' The male is especially attentive to the female, 

 frequently caressing her, and offering her food. In their 

 native country these birds do a great deal of damage to th 

 i'lds. In confinement they may be fed on canary seed, 



