PARROTS. 83 



nearly world-wide in their distribution, but do not extend very far to the 

 north. The most familiar form is the Common Barn-Owl (S. flammed) 

 (1003), generally distributed throughout the British Islands and locally 

 common in Europe and North Africa. 



Order XXIV. PSITTACIFORMES. Parrot-tkibe. 



The Parrots include about 500 species, which are grouped into [Cases 

 about 80 genera and 2 families. They possess certain characteristics '^'^' ° J 

 which isolate them from the majority of birds, and have in consequence 

 been placed in very varied positions in the numerous schemes which 

 have been propounded for the classification of birds. On account 

 of their superior intelligence some ornithologists have placed them 

 at the head of the series, while others have associated them with the 

 Picarian or climbing-birds on account of their zygodactyle foot with 

 two toes directed forwards and two backwards. Their most natural 

 position in a linear arrangement of birds appears to be after the Hawks 

 and Owls and before the Picarian birds. Like the latter as well as 

 many of the Owls, Parrots nest in holes and lay white eggs, while the 

 cere or waxy skin covering the base of the bill is a characteristic feature 

 shared with the Hawks. The form of the short, stout and strongly 

 hooked bill, with the upper mandible moveable and articulated to the 

 skull, is the most distinguishing character and one by which all Parrots 

 may at once be recognised. The nestling, when first hatched, is 

 completely naked but subsequently covered with thick grey down. 



Family I. PsittacidjE. Truk Parrots. 



On the floor of this Case we find the Owl-Parrot or Kakapo {Stringops [Case 55." 

 habroptilus) (1006) (the type of a distinct subfamily Stringopinm), which, 

 though possessing fully developed wings, is incapable of flight and like 

 many other New Zealand birds in a similar condition is rapidly 

 disappearing. It derives its trivial name from the disc of feathers round 

 the eye and from its nocturnal habits. During the day it hides in holes 

 under roots of trees and rocks, but at sunset it emerges to feed on grass, 

 seeds, berries and roots, etc., which form its principal food. It generally 

 remains on the ground but occasionally climbs trees, when the wings are 

 used to balance the body as the bird jumps from one bough to another. 

 No nest is made, and the two or three large white eggs are deposited in 

 a burrow under some root or rock. The Kakapo is said to be a very 

 clever and intelligent bird and makes an affectionate and playful pet. 



In the next subfamily, Psittacints, which includes the bulk of the 

 species, we commence with two ground-species resembling the remarkable 



g2 



