PAKRAKEET COCKATOO. 511 



In one species, the Carl-crested Ara^air, the feathers of the head assume a most unique 

 and somewhat grotesque form, reminding the observer of a coachman's wig dyed black. 

 On the top of the head the shafts of the feathers, instead of spreading out into webs, 

 become flattened, and are rolled into a profusion of bright shining curls, so that the 

 bird really appears to have been under the tongs of the hairdresser. Indeed, it appears 

 almost impossible that this singular arrangement of the feathers should not be the work 

 of art. 



PAREOTS. 



The general form of the Pakrots is too well known to need description. All birds 

 belonging to this large and splendid group can be recognised by the shape of their beaks, 

 which are large, and have the upper mandible extensively curved and hanging far over the 

 lower ; in some species the upper mandible is of extraordinary length. The tongue is 

 short, thick, and fleshy, and the structure of this member aids the bird in no slight degree 

 in its singular powers of articulation. The wings and tail are generally long, and in 

 some species, such as the Macaw^s, the tail is of very great length, while in most of the 

 Parrakeets it is longer than the body. 



The first sub-family of this group is composed of those birds which are called by the 

 title of Ground Parrakeets. In the generality of the Parrot tribe, the legs are short, but 

 in these birds they are of greater length in order to enable them to run freely on the 

 ground. One of the most striking examples of this little group is »the Pakkakeet 

 Cockatoo of Australia. 



Although not clothed with the brilliant plumage that decorates so many of the Parrot 

 tribe, this bird is a remarkably pretty one, and is worthy of notice not only for the 

 curious crest with which its head is adorned, but for the grace and elegance of its form. 

 With the exception of the head, on which a little crimson and yellow are seen, the 

 plumage of the Parrakeet Cockatoo is simply tinted with brown, grey, and white ; but 

 these colours are so pure, and their arrangement so harmonious, that the eye does not at all 

 look for brighter colouring. 



It is mostly seen upon the ground, where it runs with great swiftness, and is very 

 accomplished at winding its way among the grass stem-s, upon the seeds of which it 

 subsists. It is by no means a shy bird, and will permit of a close approach, so that its 

 habits can be readily watched. When alarmed, it leaves the ground and flies off to the 

 nearest tree, perching upon the branches and crouching down upon them lengthwise so as 

 to be invisible from below. There is no great difficulty in shooting it, which is a matter 

 of some consequence to the hunter, as its flesh is notable for its tenderness and delicate 

 flavour. 



The eggs of this species are pure white, which is tlie case with Parrot eggs generally, 

 and their number is from four to six. 



Mr, Gould gives the following description of the Parrakeet Cockatoo : — 



" The interior portion of the vast continent of Australia may be said to possess a 

 fauna almost peculiar to itself, but of which our present knowledge is extremely limited. 

 New forms therefore of great interest may be expected when the difficulties which the 

 explorer has to encounter in his journey towards the centre shall be overcome. This 



