i8


The Orange-flanked Parrakeet, when kept in a cage, is quite one of

the tamer species ; my pair, however, loose in the bird-room and aviary,

became very strong, and then lost much of their tameness ; they never

followed me about, nor came up to have a chat, as some of the others do.


I had a pair of Tovi Parrakeets (B. jugiilaris) for many years ; when-

ever I appeared, they invariably flew on to my head or shoulders, and

followed me about in house and garden. The}' nested regularl}' (unsuccess-

fully) ; and this year, when just about to lay, the female was knocked over

by a Redrunip, and quickly died. The male I still have. Yet some Tovis

are not nearly so tame as, these always were. They are common.


The "White - winged (or Yellow-winged) Parrakeet (B. virescens) is

slightly larger. I have one, a male, which I am told is the only living

specimen in Europe ; certainlj- it is the only living specimen I have ever

seen. He is very tame, and very fond of arguing the point with me. I

like him much.


He has paired with a Golden-fronted Parrakeet (B. tiiipara), another

very rare species. I obtained twD females 3'ears ago, and have one still ;

they are the only specimens of the species I have ever seen. These are

very timid birds, and the least attractive of any I have kept ; probably a

male would be tamer. The orange of the primary-coverts is rich beyond

conception.


Quite one of the prettiest and most engaging of the genus is the tiny

Tui Parrakeet (B. tuij. It is somewhat rare. I have had three at different

times, and have found them rather delicate, and difficult to get into

good plumage, the tail feathers being specially liable to come to grief. A

male 1 now have has been with me eigliteen months ; but it was not until

about two months ago that it was strong and clever enough on the wing to

be left loose with the other birds. This Tui originally married the

Tuipara ; and they seemed a happy and contented couple. Then the

White-wing arrived ; and the fickle Tuipara forthwith deserted her tiny

spouse and offered her hand and heart to the new comer. The Tui and the

Tovi, both widowers, made friends, and are now inseparable.


The following, neither very uncommon, I have not kept : —


The All Gree;i Parrakeet (B. tiricaj, a long slim green bird, is said to

make a delightful pet.


The Canary-winged Parrakeet (B. cliiririj is like B. virescens, but lacks

the white flights. It is said to be a noisy bird; birt I have not noticed it to

be more so than the others. They all have shrill voices — but they never

scream as do so many of the Parrots.


I am not acqirainted with the four other members of the genus.

They shorrld not be subjected to much cold, nor should they be too

well fed. As a rule, hemp-seed should not be given to them.


R. Phii.i,ipps.



THE BLACKBIRD.


Sir, — Will you kindly inform me if the depth of colour of a Black-

bird's bill is any indication of its age, or constitution.


C. L. Harrison.



