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JSwiFT f§ARRAKEET, OR f|oRIKEET. 



Psittacus discolor, Russ. 

 Synonyms: Psittacus liumeralis, Bchst.; Psittacus Lathami, Khl.; 



Eujphema discolor, Wagl.; Lathamus discolor, Gld. 

 German: Der Schwalbenlori, oder der Lori mit rosenrothem Gesicht. 



NOTWITHSTANDING its English and German names, some au- 

 thorities consider it more than doubtful whether this pretty little 

 bird has any claim to be called a Lory: it eats seeds readily, and 

 though not averse to sponge-cage, sugar, and mealworms, will live very 

 well without these dainties, and is so hardy that it will thrive perfectly 

 in a suitably constructed out-door aviary all the year round, which is 

 scarcely to be wondered at, when one considers that its principal habitat, 

 Tasmania, rejoices in a temperate climate, bearing much resemblance 

 to that of the south of England, and that a considerable degree of 

 cold prevails, during the winter, in both places. 



Although common enough in their own country, the Swifts are not 

 very frequently imported here; and when a few do occasionally arrive 

 they always command a high price, which places them beyond the 

 reach of ordinary amateurs. 



Concerning this species Mr. Wiener writes as follows: — "Immediately 

 after arrival these birds are delicate, and require careful feeding on 

 millet and canary seed, and soaked bread or sponge-cake, to both of 

 which a little honey may be added with advantage/' 



We have not found them delicate, and think that when landed in 

 good condition they soon recover from the effects of the voyage, and, 

 as we have said, become so hardy as to pass without inconvenience the 

 winter out of doors. 



The Swift is a pretty bird; the general colour of the plumage is 

 bright green, a narrow band of scarlet marks the forehead, the top 

 of the head is black, bordered with blue, the throat is deep red, the 



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