330 NATURAL HISTORY. 



PAL^EORNIS. (Gr. HaAfuof, old ; dpvif, a bird.) 



Torquatus (Lat. collared), the Ringed Parrakeet. 



The RINGED PARRAKEET is frequently seen domesticated in 

 this country, where its pleasing manners and gentle disposition 

 render it a great favourite. It seems to be exceedingly fond of 

 ripe walnuts, divided in halves, and while it is picking out the 

 kernel continually utters a short clucking sound indicative of 

 pleasure. 



It soon learns to repeat words and short sentences, and to 

 speak with tolerable distinctness. Sometimes when excited it 

 utters most ear-piercing screams,* and always appears to prac- 

 tise any new accomplishment when it thinks that .no one is 

 within hearing. The colour of the bird is green, and a rose 

 coloured band round its neck gives it the name of the Rose- 

 ringed Parrakeet. The bill is red. 



* A Ringed Parrakeet belonging to one of my scholars was accustomed to live in 

 the schoolroom. At first it used to become angry that it was not noticed during 

 school hours, and to utter a succession of screams, but after being shut up in a dark 

 closet several times, it learned to behave very demurely, giving an example worthy 

 of imitation to several of its human playfellows. 



