PARROTS. 45 



coast and the bushes in dry districts, to which it is an admirable ornament. These birds come in 

 troops into the gardens of the settlers like our sparrows, which they also resemble in the fact that 

 when in company with others of their kind they scream and chatter in a very confused manner, the 

 united flock producing a shrill twittering sound. They settle in great numbers upon a tree or shrub 

 to nibble the fruit, during which time the whole swarm is in unceasing confusion, climbing nimbly up 

 and down the branches, and whistling briskly. In other respects the Sparrow Parrot lives after the 

 same manner as the rest of its relatives, making the same kind of nest, sometimes using the deserted 

 oven-shaped abode of the Crested Parrot, and laying from three to four white eggs upon the shreds of 

 wood that cover the bottom of the hole. Both young and old are often captured by the Brazilians, 

 and seem soon to forget the loss of their freedom, if they are not separated from their mates. They 

 are but short lived, and for that reason seldom reach Europe ; still, it occasionally happens that, 

 with great care, they will survive some years, and even breed in a state of captivity. 



THE SISKIN PARROT. 



The Siskin Parrot (Nasiterna pygmad), the dwarf among the dwarfs belonging to this order, 

 lives in New Guinea and the Papuan Islands. Its green plumage is varied by a yellowish shade on 

 the head, and the face is light golden brown ; the middle tail-feathers are blue, the rest are black, 

 with yellow tips ; the beak is extraordinarily high and strong. As far as we know, this bird is not 

 rare upon the high trees on the coast of New Guinea and in the forests of Salawatis and Misool, but 

 no observer has as yet given us particulars of its habits. 



COCKATOOS. 



Amongst the different species of parrots with which Australia is enriched the Cockatoos 

 (Plyctolophus) take high rank. The members of this group are distinguished by their compact body, 

 short tail, and wings of middle size ; their large, short, broad beak toothed at the margin, the upper 

 mandible of which terminates in a strong hook. The tongue is usually fleshy and smooth, the 

 region of the eye bare, and the head decked with an upright tuft of bright and beautiful 

 feathers. The plumage is generally very striking, either by reason of its pure white or delicate 

 rose colour, or (for a parrot) the unusually dark tints that predominate. Cockatoos are found not 

 only in Australia, but in the Moluccas, New Guinea, and the Philippine Islands, where most kinds 

 establish themselves in enormous flocks in the woods, and fly from thence over the fields and 

 plains, presenting an appearance that is enchantingly beautiful. "Perched under the shadow of 

 the dark foliage," says Mitchell, " their bright wings and glowing crests transform the heights upon 

 which they live into regions of the most exquisite beauty." In their habits and mode of life Cockatoos 

 resemble other parrots, and must be reckoned among the most pleasing of the whole race. It is quite 

 true that when living together in large flocks their cries frequently become a deafening noise in- 

 tolerable to ordinary ears, but a solitary bird is very engaging; indeed, there is something so 

 extremely tender in the tone in which it utters the word "cockatoo" (whence is derived the name), 

 that it attracts us involuntarily, for the cry of " cockatoo " is always intended to express a kindly 

 feeling, and changes when angry into a most fearful shriek. The Cockatoo soon learns to make 

 friends with mankind, plays fewer tricks than other parrots, appears grateful for any kindness that 

 is shown to it, and seems eager to make a fitting return ; unkindness alone makes it ill-tempered or 

 mischievous, and its excellent memory enables it to avenge an injury after the lapse of years. Its 

 disposition in general is mild and gentle, and its good qualities numerous. It learns to speak with 

 tolerable ease and fluency, forming the words into phrases, as though it understood them, and applies 



