250 CONURUS CAROLMENS1S. 



ary, the Parokeets emerge from the swamps in small flocks and enter the open woods to 

 search for the seeds of the pine cones which are then ripe. At this time, they may be 

 taet with quite frequently but the best opportunity to procure specimens occurs about the 

 middle of February, when they may be found in large companies, feeding upon the green 

 seeds of the maples and elms which grow along the rivers. 



Thus it will be seen that these birds are somewhat migratory in habit, the time of 

 their visiting certain localities being governed by the supply of food; add to this the fact 

 that they are quite local in their distribution and it may readily be perceived how one may 

 travel for an entire season in Florida without seeing a single living Parokeet. In winter, 

 they are restricted to a belt of country, about fifty miles in width, which stretches across 

 the entire state of Florida, from Cedar Keys to New Smyrna. In this tract, they are most 

 abundant in the large cypress swamp which lies to the westward of the St. John's River, 

 near Blue Springs. I was encamped at the lalter place for some time and, although I 

 could frequently hear the birds as they flew about in the swamp opposite, they only oc- 

 casionally showed themselves and did not emerge from their retreat until the ripening seeds 

 of the pine induced them them to come out, as mentioned. 



I have remarked that the Parokeets scream very loudly when flying; so loudly, in fact, 

 that their shrill cries can be heard for miles. They come dashing along, moving in a most 

 eccentric manner; now near the ground, then high over the tree tops, seeming about to 

 alight a dozen times but still without settling, each in the company endeavoring to excel 

 the other in producing the most discordant yells, when they will all pitch, at once, into 

 some tree and a sudden silence ensues. So great had been the din but a second before 

 that the comparative stillness is quite bewildering, then too, the large flock of highly col- 

 ored birds, lately so conspicuous, have disappeared completely. I well remember my first 

 experience of this nature; I stood, gun in hand, watching the evolutions of a large com- 

 pany as it wheeled about, awaiting an opportunity to shoot, when, of a sudden, they all 

 alighted in a huge live-oak which stood a few rods away. I cautiously approached the 

 tree, ready to slaughter half the flock at a single discharge, if possible, when, what was my 

 surprise upon going within a suitable distance, not to perceive a bird. Neither could I 

 see so much as a feather of the desired game although I walked around the tree several 

 times and even went beneath its branches to peer up between them. After spending 

 some time in these fruitless elforts, my patience became quite exhausted and I threw a large 

 oyster shell up into the tree. This certainly produced an effect, not just what I intended, 

 however, for, in an instant, out darted the entire body of screaming birds but on the oppo- 

 site side of the thick tree; thus I could only stand and watch them as they disappeared in 

 the neighboring swamp. 



It seems incredible that such large birds as Parokeets can conceal themselves so ef- 

 fectually but, although I have had considerable experience in detecting birds among foli- 

 age, I have often been foiled by this sagacious species. When flying, they are conspicuous 

 enough but, among the thick green leaves, especially of a live-oak, they are completely 

 invisible. Even Avhen they are screaming, it is very difficult to find them but it is not 

 usual, however, for them to utter any loud sounds when sitting, yet occasionally one will 



