PARROTS 165 



eye of the latter. The Cactus has the brown throat of a 

 paler and softer shade and the underparts pale yellow. 

 These are among the smallest of the conures, measuring 

 about eight or nine inches. All make ideal pets, being hardy, 

 tame, affectionate and amusing. 



The Golden-crowned Conure (C aureus), of South 

 America, is occasionally imported in some numbers. It is a 

 larger bird than the foregoing, green, with forehead and eye-' 

 ring orange and the breast olive. It is a handsome species 

 and lives well, but most of those seen here are wild-caught 

 and do not readily become tame. 



The Black-headed Conure (C nanday), of Paraguay, 

 has always been a rare bird in this country. During the past 

 two or three years, however, there have been heavier im- 

 portations of this species, so that it is now more often to be 

 obtained. It is a large bird, reaching a length of twelve 

 inches. It is green above, with brownish-black head. The 

 lower throat and much of the wing is blue, while the thighs 

 are red. Most of the birds offered here are wild-caught 

 adults, but tame individuals are sometimes seen, which make 

 charming pets. 



There are many other handsome members of this group, 

 but none is obtainable with a frequency sufficient to war- 

 rant its inclusion here. 



The Tovi Parrakeet or " Beebee *' (Brotogerys jugu- 

 laris), of Mexico and Central America, is imported in 

 greater numbers than is any other American parrakeet. It 

 is a small bird, not much over six inches in length, mostly 

 dark green, with a small orange spot on the chin. When 

 thoroughly tame, as most specimens quickly become, it is a 

 delightful pet. Although a pair will live together in friendly 

 fashion, and evince every evidence of willingness to breed, 

 there is no authentic record of this feat having been accom- 

 plished. 



