154 BIRDS 



rounded at the ends; those of the lorikeets are long and 

 sharp-pointed. Of the former, the Chattering Lory 

 (Lorius garrulus) and the Yellow-backed (L. Aavopal- 

 liatus) are most commonly seen. Both are, in the main, 

 deep red with green wings. The latter has a yellow patch 

 in the center of the back. The Purple-capped Lory (L. 

 domicella) is somewhat similar, but has the head black, 

 shading to purple on the nape, and a yellow pectoral band. 



The lorikeet most abundant in captivity is the Blue 

 Mountain or Swainson's {Trichoglossus nova-hol- 

 landice), which frequently reaches this country in large lots. 

 The birds invariably arrive in perfect condition, but drop 

 off alarmingly if kept on the seed diet. It is a beautiful 

 species, green above, with head and abdomen blue, a yellow 

 band on the nape and a wide zone of reddish-orange across 

 the breast. There are a number of similar, closely related 

 birds, the best known of which is the Red-collared Lori- 

 keet {T. rubritorques) , easily distinguished by the deep 

 orange nuchal band. 



The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet {Psitteuteles chlorolepi- 

 dotus) is one of the most satisfactory species in captivity. 

 It will live for a long time on seed and fruit alone, although, 

 of course, a liquid diet suits it much better. It is less ornate 

 than most, being green above, with the breast feathers yel- 

 low edged with green; the under wing coverts are red. 



Cockatoos 



The cockatoos are a fairly homogenous group, easily dis- 

 tinguished at a glance from other parrots. All of the 

 species are crested, and the beak is usually thick and deep. 

 White plumage is very prevalent among them, and solid 

 black, an unusual color among parrots, is found as well. 



Their range is much the same as that of the lories. 



