THE PARROTS 115 



truant Parrot who was sitting close by on the top of the 

 hedge. 



I have mentioned that Parrots have been proved to be 

 quite able to stand the cold of an English winter. Indeed, 

 the great scientist, Darwin, came across these birds even in 

 so cheerless and inhospitable a region as Tierra del Fuego. 

 But, for the most part, they must be regarded as belonging 

 to the Tropics — to the sun- warmed forests which never see 

 the falling snow. 



It does not follow that because a bird lives in a hot 

 country it will like cold water, in the way that an Anglo- 

 Indian likes (and insists on having) his "cold tub." But 

 Parrots are among the birds that do love both a shower- 

 bath and a plunge. During a heavy tropical rain-storm, 

 says Mr. John Lea, they may frequently be seen "sitting 

 motionless at the very summit of a tree, on dead branches 

 having no foliage, allowing the water to stream over them, 

 and uttering cheerful screams of enjoyment." 



" They often form great bathing parties," he adds, " and 

 play about in the water until their plumage is soaked 

 through. According to Levaillant, all the Parrots of the 

 district meet together, and repair with much noise to 

 the bathing-place, which may be situated a considerable 

 distance away, for none but limpid water will satisfy them. 

 [Parrots are very particular, as might be expected of birds 

 so grandly dressed.] On their arrival, they are to be seen 

 rolling and tumbling over one another in the utmost 

 confusion on the banks, dipping their heads and wings, 

 scattering drops of water in glistening showers all over 

 their plumage, and thoroughly enjoying the frolic. When 

 they have finished bathing they return to the dead trees 

 which form their meeting-place, and finish their toilet by 

 adjusting and preening their feathers." 



