THE BLUE-MOUNTAIN LORIKEET. 17 
ble in large flocks. The food of this species consists principally of a fruit 
of a kind of palm abundant in humid or marshy places. On the wing, the 
Blue and Yellow Macaw is rapid, displaying great address and ease in its 
aerial movements, and is often seen skimming over the tops of the loftiest 
trees, the highest branches of which it selects for its roosting-place. 
Like the Parrots generally, this Macaw lays two white eggs in the 
hollow of a decayed tree; both sexes attend to the duty of incubation, and 
to the labor of rearing the young. Two broods are said to be produced 
annually. 
The Lorikeets (7Trichogloss’) are natives of Australia, and are charac- 
terized by the tongue being furnished at its apex with a pencil or brush of 
strong hairs, rendering it an efficient agent in procuring food. This consists 
of the nectar of various species of H’ucalypt?, some of which are always in 
flower, thus furnishing the flocks with an abundant supply. Were it not 
for this succession of blooms the Lorikeets would be straitened for food. 
Among the pendent blossoms of these trees may the Lorikeets be.observed 
clinging in every attitude, and busily engaged in absorbing, with their pencil- 
tufted tongues (and so licking up), the honey from the cups of the newly- 
expanded blossoms, which they have compressed and nibbled with their 
beaks. “To such an excess,” says Mr. Gould, “do these birds satiate them- 
selves with their liquid food, that, on suspending a fresh-shot specimen by 
the toes, a large tea-spoonful, at least, of honey will flow from the mouth ; ” 
and he adds, “ when we know this to be the natural food of this group, how 
can it be expected that the species can exist in captivity upon the hard seed 
or farinaceous diet so generally given as a substitute?” And we agree with 
him in thinking that if honey or liquid saccharine matter were afforded them, 
they might be kept in cages and aviaries; and when it is considered that 
they are among the most elegant and beautiful of their race, it is desirable 
for those who have the opportunity of making a series of trials. 
According to Mr. Calez, the Blue-Mountain Lorikeet, or Blue-Mountain 
Parrot (Warrin of the natives), is remarkable for its docility and attachment 
to some people, whilst it is a perfect scold to others, who may have teased 
or offended it. “ Flocks of these birds,” says this accurate observer, “may 
be seen in the Hucalypté trees when in flower, in different parts of the 
country, but in the greatest number near their breeding-places. It does not 
eat any kind of grain, even when in a domesticated state. It is much sub- 
ject to fits, which generally prove fatal; and it is rare to find an individual 
kept alive above a couple of years. One that I kept, on being shown a 
t=] 
figure of a colored plant, used to put its tongue to the flowers, as if with 
the intent of sucking them; and I have seen it make the same attempt with 
a piece of cotton furniture. The flesh of this bird is very good eating.” 
