398 



THE GREAT WHITE COCKATOO. 



along the top of the head, and merely exhibits the tips of its feathers projecting over the 

 neck ; but when the bird is excited by anger or pleasure, it can erect the crest as well as the 

 common Cockatoo. Some naturalists think that there are two species of Aratoo, the larger 

 being distinguished by the title of M. Goliath, and the smaller called by the name of M. 

 aterrimum, but the general opinion leans in favor of a single species and two varieties. 



Two species of ( 'ockatoo differ from each other in the color of their crests. 



The first of these is the Great White Cockatoo, a remarkably handsome bird, espe- 

 •ially when excited. In size it is rather a large bird, equalling a common fowl in dimensions, 

 and assuming a much larger form when it ruffles up its feathers when under the influence of 

 anger, Man}' of these birds are admirable talkers, and their voice is peculiarly full and loud. 



..-./. sto; 



GREAT WHITE COCKATOO.— Plictolopfius molucctngis. 



A Great White Cockatoo which I lately saw, was rather celebrated for his powers of con- 

 versation : but as he was moulting, his vocabulary was silenced for the time, and he sat in a 

 very disconsolate manner on his perch, looking as if he had fallen into a puddle and not 

 had time to arrange his plumage. All the breast and fore parts of the body were quite bare 

 of feathers, and even the beautiful crest had a sodden and woe-begone look. By dint, 

 however, of talking to (he bird, and rubbing his head, I induced him to favor us with a few 

 woids. which were given in a voice as full and rounded as that of a strong- voiced man accus- 

 tomed to talk to deaf people. 



Presently we were startled with a deafening laugh, not unlike that of the hyena, but 

 even louder and more weird-like. < m turning round, T saw the Cockatoo suddenly transformed 

 into a totally different bird, his whole frame literally blazing with excitement, his crest flung 



