PARROTS 163 



mature specimens. The Golden-nape is a clever pupil, and 

 pushes the Yellow-head closely in the question of superior- 

 ity. This species is now imported more frequently than 

 in former years. 



The Blue-fronted Amazon (A. cEstiva) is green, like 

 its congeners, with blue forehead and yellow face and throat, 

 while the wings and tail are further diversified with red 

 and blue. It is found from central Brazil to Argentina. 

 This is a handsome, hardy species, very abundant in the 

 New York market, but as a linguist not supposed to rank 

 with the foregoing forms. 1 



The White-fronted or Cuban Amazon {A. leuco- 

 cephala) was at one time the commonest parrot among 

 dealers. Recently, however, its exportation from Cuba has 

 been prohibited, so that is becoming uncommon. Some 

 individuals make fairly good speakers, but the species can- 

 not be considered as one of the best. Like most Amazons, 

 it is green in general, with a white forehead, bordered on 

 the crown with red, which extends to the cheeks and 

 throat. 



The Green-cheeked Amazon {A. viridigena), a Mexi- 

 can species, was once so uncommon here as to be a rarity. 

 Of late, however, it has been imported more freely, at times 

 being the most abundant parrot in the market. Linguisti- 

 cally, it is one of the least gifted, and has not become popu- 

 lar. It is smaller than most Amazons and mostly green in 

 color, with the cheeks of a brighter shade and the forepart of 

 the head red. 



Parrakeets and Love-birds 



The parrakeets are included in a number of subfamilies, 

 differing from each other sufficiently for a bird to be as- 

 signed on sight, even though its species may not be recog- 



