PARROTS, PAROQUETS 



(382) Conuropsis carolinensis 



(Linn.) (Gr., cone or cuneate-tiiil, ap- 

 pearance). 



CAROLINA PAROQUET. Our 

 only representative of this tropical 

 family in eastern North America. 

 Ads. — Plumage as shown; chiefly 

 grass-green, but with the whole head 

 yellow, brightening to orange or 

 reddish on the forehead. Immature 

 birds have the whole head greenish 

 like the body. The short, rough 

 legs have two toes in front and two 

 behind. L., 12.50; W., 7.50; T., 

 6.50. Nest — Believed to be only in 

 hollow trees, but the nesting habits 

 are still imperfectly known; three 

 to five white eggs, with a rather 

 rough surface, 1.35 x 1.05. 



Range — Now only in interior 

 Fla. Formerly north to N. Y., Wis., 

 and Col. 



Order PSITTACI. Parrots, Paroquets 



Family PSITTACIDiE. Parrots, Paroquets 



CAROLINA PARAQUETS, like several other species 

 of our birds, have been driven from pillar to post until now 

 they are making their last and final stand in unsettled 

 portions of Florida. As late as 1S60 they were not uncom- 

 mon in all the Southeastern States, and north to Pennsyl- 

 vania. Large numbers of them were shot because they 

 injured fruit or grain; more for their plumage with which 

 to adorn hats; many were killed by gunners merely to test 

 their skill on swiftly flying birds; and quantities of them 

 were trapped and sold for pets. 



They feed upon seeds of cones, various weeds, buds 

 of trees and any edible berries or fruits. Their movements, 

 while on the ground or feeding in trees, are rather slow, 

 strongly suggestive of the actions of crossbills, for they may 

 remain suspended in any position as they secure their food. 



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