THE KING PARROT OR PARRAKEET. 



{Aprosnuctus cyanopygius.) 



The King Parrot is not infrequently 

 though erroneously called the King 

 Lory. It should not be classed with 

 the lories for it belongs to the Platy- 

 cercinae or broadtail group of parrots. 

 The King Parrots and their mates, 

 which are called Queen Parrots, are 

 very shy and timid birds and do not as- 

 sociate with other feathered creatures 

 to any greater extent than they are 

 obliged to do. When in captivity they 

 should never be placed in the same 

 aviary w^ith other birds, especially if it 

 is desired that they should breed. Un- 

 like many species of parrots, the King 

 Parrots are gentle birds and possess a 

 kindly disposition. In an aviary in 

 which there are confined smaller birds 

 of other species they do not molest 

 these smaller birds, but they will not 

 nest, as a rule, in their presence. They 

 do' not enjoy the inquisitive natures of 

 many of the smaller birds, and while 

 they will "brook so interference from 

 anybody, with their domestic arrange- 

 ments," unlike many birds, they will 

 not punish an intruder in their nesting 

 domain ; but rather if disturbed, they 

 will try to find a more retired place for 

 nesting. "Anything for a quiet life," 

 seems to be the motto of these peaceful 

 birds. Our illustration is that of the 

 male. His mate, the Queen Parrot is 

 much duller in color. Her plumage is 

 dingy green; there is a reddish tint on 

 her breast which become a deeper shade 

 of the same color on the abdomen and 

 under tail coverts, and the tail feathers 

 are not as deep a blue black green color 

 as are those of the male. The young 

 resemble the mother until in the second 

 year, when the males begin to develop 

 the adult plumage. 



King Parrots do not live lono- when 

 confined in a house, but they will thrive 



with proper care, in a well constructed 

 and sheltered aviary out of doors where 

 they may have plenty of fresh air and 

 light. They seem to withstand cold 

 better than they do heat. This seems 

 strange in view of the fact that they are 

 natives of New South Wales and 

 Queensland. These Parrots ought to 

 be long-lived for they grow slowly. They 

 must not, however, be feed delicacies 

 or coddled too much, for they can 

 stand neither, and will soon droop their 

 wings and fade away, or they will fall 

 dead in a fit. They also require a 

 plenty of clean, fresh water for they are 

 very fond of bathing. When in cap- 

 tivity, the best foods for them are 

 soaked grains of all kinds, nuts and 

 fruits, and a little raw^ potato or dried- 

 bread will be enjoyed. Dainties should 

 never be feed to them. In their na- 

 tive haunts, the King Parrots eat a 

 large number of insects. In captivity 

 also, when they have young birds to 

 feed, it might be best to supply the par- 

 ents with insect food such as the meal 

 worm. If, however, insect food is once 

 given the young birds it must be con- 

 tinued. They are active birds, and they 

 also enjoy 'Vhittling" full as well as 

 any other parrot, and in captivity they 

 should always be supplied with a piece 

 of wood on which to exercise their bills. 

 The King Parrots are not very bright 

 birds, nor are they very intelligent. 

 Neither are they very tame, though now 

 and then an individual may be found 

 among the male birds which will not 

 only become tame and sociable, but may 

 also be taught to repeat some simple 

 words. To teach him, however, re- 

 quires much patience, and the training 

 must be begun while he is yet very 

 voung. The female is always very 



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