THE TYPICAL PARROTS. 163 



THE BUDGERIGAR OR UNDULATED GRASS -PARAKEET 

 (Melopsittacus undulatus)* is represented in Plate VI (Fig. 

 2). This and the brief description attached to the plate 

 will give an idea of the colours and markings, and it may 

 be added that the centre tail-feathers and some spots on 

 the cheek are rich blue. Both sexes are alike in plumage, 

 but in the male the cere, or naked skin surrounding the 

 nostrils, is rich bright blue, and in the female pale blue or 

 pale brown in the latter case she is just ready to breed. 

 Young birds are much like the old ones, but have dark 

 eyes and the pencilling of the head continued all over 

 the forehead. 



This lovely little Parakeet, also known as Zebra Para- 

 keet, Shell-Parrot, and Australian Love-bird, is, as 

 the last name implies, a native of Australia. Indeed, 

 the title Budgerigar, by which it is now generally known 

 both in England and in India, is derived from the 

 name "Betcherrygah" given to it by the Australian 

 blacks. 



It is sociable in habits, going in large flocks, and 

 for about half a century vast numbers have been ex- 

 ported to Europe. Many also are sent to India, and 

 they can generally be had in the Bird Bazaar at 

 Calcutta at reasonable prices. Budgerigars are hardy 

 and long-lived birds in captivity, and will some- 

 times breed even when a single pair are confined 

 in a cage. The proper way to breed Budgerigars is, how- 

 ever, to turn about three pairs loose into a fair-sized 

 aviary ; as, unlike most birds, they breed better in com- 

 pany, being sociable even in the breeding season. 



