on the Breeding of King Parrakecls.



29



The eyes open in about twenty-four days, and previous to

that they are able to waddle about, as I found them one morning

in the long grass, and two or three yards from their nest. I placed

them in a large flower saucer with some dry earth in, which kept

them at home for some time. To keep off the driving rain I was

obliged to lean a board about 3ft. by 2ft. against the wire over

them, a proceeding which the parents did not resent in any way.

They carefully observed what took place, and seemed to quite

understand that it was done for their benefit.


On August 3rd I found the young bird scrambling up the

wires in a very clumsy manner, but it was able to fly sufficiently

to reach the ground in safety.


At this age (5 weeks) all but the head was completely

feathered, this being the last portion to lose the pin feathers.

The tail feathers have about an eighth of an inch at the end of

each brick red, except the two central ones, which are plain

green ; in other respects the colour resembles the adult hen.


I judge this young bird to be a male for the following-

reasons, which, if some one who has reared this species will

verify, there will be little difficulty in distinguishing the sex of

the young birds as soon as fledged.


The shape of the head is well rounded like the male parent,

whereas the female has a flatter head ; the bill is orange whereas

the hen is black ; the red feathers of the breast meet the green in

a clearly cut line, and do not gradually merge into one another,

the red colour being decidedly a more brilliant shade than that of

the hen.


Why this particular pair should choose the most public

and exposed position for nesting I cannot imagine. One very

noticeable trait was that the hen completely lost all shyness

during incubation and feeding, but now the young bird is pretty

well grown up she is quite as shy as before.


These birds prefer to roost in the open during summer,

but in the winter are driven into the enclosed portion, and after

a few times go in regularly themselves.


The Zoological Society had two fine King Parrakeets two

years ago, one being especially brilliant, but both have vanished

and some more are wanted in their place, but I feel convinced



