PARROTS 157 



speakers among the cockatoos, it is sometimes sold by the 

 unscrupulous as a " gray parrot." 



The CocKATEEL (Calopsittacus novcB-hollandico) is to the 

 cockatoos as the parrakeets are to the parrots proper. Both 

 sexes are ashy gray above, with white wing patch. The 

 cock has the crest and face bright yellow, with an orange 

 cheek patch ; these markings are much duller in the female. 

 It is a pretty, hardy bird, and individuals reared from 

 the nest occasionally learn to speak a few words. It breeds 

 freely if given its liberty in an aviary, nesting in prepared 

 logs or other artificial receptacles. 



Macaws 



The macaws are the largest, and perhaps the gaudiest of 

 the parrot tribe. Certainly they are the noisiest, the softest 

 sound of which they are capable being a harsh rumble, and 

 their loudest terrific beyond description. The writer has 

 seen wild macaws on early tropic mornings, with their bril- 

 liant plumage reflecting the first rays of the sun across the 

 treetops. Under such conditions, as they flew along the 

 silent waterways, their notes had decided charm. But 

 within the confines of a room the shriek of a macaw is not 

 a pleasant sound. 



Because of their long tails and their incurable habit of 

 climbing wires, macaws are best kept on stands or on swing- 

 ing perches. A light, strong steel band around one leg with 

 a short chain, attached to a swivel and a sliding ring, are 

 all that need confine the bird. These attachments, as well 

 as the receptacles for food and water, must be strong and 

 securely fastened, to withstand the persistent attacks of the 

 powerful beak. 



Macaws should be fed as recommended for cockatoos. 



Most of the macaws which reach us have been reared 



