PARROTS 169 



The Gray-headed and Black-cheeked, at least, are free 

 breeders, the best receptacle being a box about 6" x 8", with 

 a suitable entrance hole. Besides the Gray-breasted Par- 

 rakeet, the love-birds are the only parrots known to carry 

 nesting material. In this case the lining only is provided. 

 The favorite material is the bark of fresh twigs, which is 

 shredded off and carried to the nest, tucked among the upper 

 tail coverts. ' , 



Love-birds may be fed on the usual small seeds, with 

 plenty of green food. 



The Gray-headed and Black-cheeked are perfectly hardy, 

 and entirely unaffected by cold, if given shelter from wind 

 and storms. 



The commonest species is the Gray-headed or Madagas- 

 car Love-bird (A. cana). This bird is a native of Mada- 

 gascar, but has been introduced to neighboring islands. The 

 cock is green, with gray head, the latter color being lacking 

 in his mate. This bird is imported in considerable num- 

 bers and is one of the commonest of cage birds. 



Before April, 1908, the Black-cheeked Love-bird (A. 

 nigrigenis) was unknown in captivity, and the five birds 

 which arrived then caused a sensation. The situation, how- 

 ever, was quickly altered, for in January, 1909, great quan- 

 tities were received in London. Since then this bird has 

 become very popular because of its handsome appearance 

 and the readiness with which it breeds. It is green in the 

 main, with brown crown, brownish-black cheeks, orange 

 throat and red bill. There seems to be no reliable index of 

 the sexes. 



The Red-faced Love-bird (A. pullaria), of West 

 Africa, although once a very common cage bird, is now 

 seen with increasing inf requency. It is less hardy than the 

 other species, inclined to be nervous if closely caged, and 

 is a very shy breeder. 



