46 Queen Alexandra 's Parrakeet.


feather, exactly like the old birds, with the following ex-

ceptions : the beaks are black, a fine white ring of skin is

noticeable round the eye, the edges of the flight features in the

wings are edged with white — they are slightly smaller. The

maroon marking from the eye to eye is not so clearly defined at

the back of the head, but starts in a wide band from the eyes.

"Them there Johnstonians," as my bird boy gravely calls

them, are a most devoted family, the old birds' fondness is pretty

to watch. As a rule they roost alternately, first the old cock,

then a young bird, then the hen, then a young bird — packed

close together the}' chatter and twitter and preen each others'


feathers.


And now I discovered the only point in which these birds


differ in their nesting from other Lorikeets. In taking down the

nesting box and cocoa nut husk, for the autumn cleaning, I was

surprised to find in each a rough nest. The little ends and twigs

of fir, tiny scraps with the needles attached had been carried into

the box, the cocoa nut fibre had been scratched up and quite a

nest constructed. The cocoa nut husk had been similarly treated,

several pieces of twig and fir had been carried in, in fact both the

box and husks were half full of scraps and bits of twig and fibre.

In conclusion, may I add, that these birds are absolutely

hardy ; since I have had them they have been perfectly well, and

all through last winter were out on every passable day, scramb-

ling and playing, when most Lories and Lorikeets would have

looked puffy and miserable. This is not of course surprising, as

they come from a very high altitude, but it is refreshing to find a

hardy beautiful creature, and one as ready to reproduce its

species in captivity.



QUEEN ALEXANDRA'S PARRAKEET.


The Rev. H. D. Astley has kindly sent us the photograph

which we publish of the interior of one of his aviaries showing

his male Queen Alexandra Parrakeet, Spathoptetus (Polytelis)

alexandrce. These very rare and beautiful Parrakeets nested

during the past summer, the female laying no less than three

clutches of eggs, in April, May and June. All however proved

to be unfertile, though she sat splendidly.



