XIX 



INTRODUCTION. 



The Parrots which constitute the family Loriidce are a very attractive group of rather small 

 birds. None of them are nearly so large as the Macaws, or even as the common Grey Parrot 

 (Psittacus erithacus), but vary in dimension, from the size of a Turtle-Dove to about that of 

 a Sparrow. They consist of 75 more or less distinct species, and thus very largely exceed in 

 number not only the nearly extinct family of Nestoriclce (with only 3 living species), but 

 also the families Cyclopsittacidce (19 species) and Cacahiidce (27 species), even taken together. 

 On the other hand, they are enormously exceeded by the immense family of the Psittacidae. 

 This last-named group is divided into six subfamilies as follows : the Nasitemince, with 9 

 species ; the Conurince, with 102 species ; the Pionince, with 91 species ; the Psittacince, with 

 8 species; the Palceornithince, with 112 species; and, lastly, Plati/cerciiice, with 50 species. 

 Pinally the aberrant family Stringopidce contains only 2 species. 



Therefore the Lories form less than one-sixth part ( 2 - -) of the whole Order Psittaci. 

 The family is remarkable for its brilliancy and gay coloration ; but it is not only the 

 appearance of these birds which makes them so attractive. Some of them, as those of the 

 genus Chalcopsittacus, will spontaneously approach human dwellings, and most of them 

 make excellent pets, except for those persons who cannot tolerate the shrill cries they 

 frequently emit. Some caged individuals have been let free, in suitable weather, and found 

 to return voluntarily to their habitual dwelling-place. They appear, however, to be very 

 indifferent talkers, and of several species kept in captivity it is recorded that they never 

 spoke at all. The Lories are very choice feeders, living as they do on the nectar and pollen 

 of flowers, and mainly on the blossoms of the pJucalypli and coral trees. 



"When such trees are in flower, Lories may be seen in large flocks clinging to the smaller 

 branches in every attitude possible to them, and when they have exhausted the supply to be 

 obtained at one spot they will fly off rapidly with shrill screams to other trees as yet unrifled 

 of their nectar. So intent are they, while feeding, on their occupation, that they may then 

 be closely approached, and even the firing of a gun from beneath, though fatal to individuals, 

 has been known not to disturb their uninjured neighbours. 



c-2 



