62



Mrs. Warren Yernon,



statement that the sexes when adult are alike, appears to be

incorrect.


RED-CAhPED PARRAKEET. Hen duller in colour than the cock :

cap usually streaked with green, even in old birds. Hen Red-

capped Parrakeets appear to retain their immature dress much

longer than males.


Red-vented Blue-Bonnet.) Cock rather larger and brighter

Common Blue-Bonnet. 1 than the hen, with a slightly

larger beak ; more vigorous and perky in demeanour, and

“bobs” with greater energy when alarmed,

easy one to sex.


Redrump and other Pseplioti. Sexes easily distinguishable by

striking differences of colour.


BOURKE'S PARRAKEET. Adult cock rather brighter coloured than

the hen, but extremely hard to distinguish. When in breeding

condition he has a habit of occasionally drawing himself up

and slightly depressing his shoulders. The best way of sexing

Bourke’s is therefore, if possible, to watch their behaviour in

an aviary. [The head of the female is smaller, the skull less

broad, whilst the male has more blue over the cere, etc.— Ed.]

Of the Elegant and Blue-winged Grass Parrakeets I

have had so little experience that I can only say that I am inclined

to think that the males have rather larger and squarer heads than

their mates. Slight differences in plumage are I believe said to

exist, but I have not been able to observe them.



A TAME HUNTING CISSA.


By Mrs. Warren Yernon.


A few weeks ago, Mr. Erost told me he had a very charming

pet — a Hunting Cissa. I was at that time feeling very virtuous and

quite determined to buy no more birds,'at'any rate till after Xmas.

Alas ! for human nature when hobbies come in. One morning, a

few days later, my maid brought a large travelling cage and said “A

bird has come I was expecting none, and was very much surprised.

On taking off the paper a curious purring noise was heard, and I saw



