CHAPTER XIV 



PARROTS 



After the canary, the members of the various groups of 

 the order of parrots (Psittaciformes) are kept as pets 

 more frequently than any other birds. The faculty of 

 imitating the human voice, which most parrots possess in 

 some degree, exercises a fascination which few can resist. 

 That they are, in the main, extraordinarily hardy bird* is 

 evidenced by the frequency with which, in spite of all man- 

 ner of dietary abuse, they are seen in captivity. There are 

 records of parrots living in confinement for periods up to 

 ninety-odd years. Twenty-five to thirty-five years may be 

 considered as a fair average longevity. 



Three families are represented by the species which may 

 be considered as suitable for cage birds: Lories (LoRiiDiE), 

 Cockatoos (Cacatuid;e) and that which includes the 

 Macaws, Parrakeets, Amazon and Gray Parrots and Love- 

 birds (PsiTTACiDiE). As food and treatment vary con- 

 siderably in each case, each group will be considered sepa- 

 rately. 



Lories and Lorikeets 



These birds, while the loveliest of parrots, are, unfortu- 

 nately, likewise the most delicate. Their tongues are finely 

 divided and brush-like at the tip, as an adaptation to their 

 habit of feeding on the pollen of flowers. Their beaks, 

 while less powerful than those of other parrots, are still 

 strong enough to crush small seeds, or, if necessary, to 

 inflict very severe bites. 



Lories quickly become delightfully tame, and are ex- 



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