Some Hints on Parrot-Keeping.



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of a yellowish frontal band and a greyish mantle without any trace-

of black. It is a rare bird of which hardly anything is known.


Blue-bonnet Parbakeet ( Psephotus xanthorrhous ).—A

very aberrant Psephotiis which really deserves to be placed in a

genus of its own. Why this bird should be classed with species to

which it has a very remote affinity, and that most typical Polytelis

the Queen Alexandra Parrakeet separated from its two near relatives

for the very insufficient reason that the adult cock possesses one

primary feather somewhat peculiarly shaped at the tip, is one

of the mysteries of scientific classification which are most difficult

to account for. Cock and hen Blue-bonnets are alike in colour, but

the latter have rather smaller heads and are less perky and assertive

in their demeanour. Blue-bonnets are the hardiest of all Australian

Parrakeets and can safely be turned out of doors at any time of

year. They are, however, highly susceptible to septic fever and

grey parrot fever, the germs of which they cannot resist even when

in the most perfect health and condition. In disposition they are

excessively spiteful both towards parrakeets and birds of other

orders. When tame they make nice pets but usually bestow their

affections on one person only. When given their liberty they are

apt to stray during the first few weeks, but after that they generally

stay well. They seldom fall victims to owls and are able to live

for many days even during the winter on what they pick up for

themselves in the woods and fields. Blue-bonnets should be fed

like the other Psephoti, but it is not wise to allow them much hemp

unless they are flying at large.


Bed-vented Blue-bonnet (Psephotus hcematorrhous ).—

Differs from the common variety in the possession of red feathers

under the tail and a reddish chestnut or maroon patch on the wings.

Both kinds have a red patch on the abdomen. P. hcematorrhous

has little claim to be considered anything but a local variety of the

common Blue-bonnet, and birds showing intermediate characteristics

are often met with.


Neophemas Parrakeet. —These beautiful little grass parra¬

keets are now rarely imported and it appears only too likely that

some of the most lovely species are nearly or quite extinct. They

should be fed on white and spray millet, grass seed and canary seed.'



