PARROTS. 



2 9 



hubbub. The shrill screams of the birds, the noise caused by the fluttering of their wings, and the 

 rattling of the leaves of the palm-trees was so deafening, that he was heartily glad when he escaped 

 from such a turmoil, and took refuge in his own house. 



Next to a safe sleeping-place, the presence of trees thickly crowned with foliage is an essential 

 requisite for the comfortable lodgment of parrots ; this they require, not so much as a protection 

 against the weather, as for a secure hiding-place. Of all things they like warmth, nevertheless they 

 do not absolutely avoid a cool temperature, and still less are they afraid of wet, at least for a time. 



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COLLARED PARROT {Pahzornis lorquatus). 



" During the heavy tropical rain-storms that sometimes darken the air," says the Prince von 

 Wied, " it is not uncommon to see parrots sitting motionless upon the dead branches at the very 

 top of a tree, uttering cheerful screams, as the water streams off from their plumage ; there may be 

 dense foliage, and thick boughs immediately beneath, under which they might easily find shelter, but 

 they prefer the warm shower, and seem to enjoy the wetting. No sooner, however, has the rain 

 ceased, than they appear equally desirous to dry themselves, and to rid their plumage of the 

 moisture." 



In fine weather it is quite otherwise ; they then decidedly prefer the shelter of the thickest trees, 



