110 



lluSKY OR IflOLET IgARROT. 



Psittacus violaceus, Russ. 



Synonyms: Pionus violaceus, Fnsch.; Pionus jpurpureus, "Wgl.; 



Pionias violaceus, Bp. German: Per Veilchenjpajpagei. 



THIS is a very handsome bird, about the size of a small Grey- 

 Parrot (P. erithacus) : the plumage is blue and violet of different 

 shades, with some brownish markings on the face, and a very narrow 

 eye-streak or bridle of a deep red colour; the primaries are black, 

 bordered with deep blue on the outer edges, the tail is purple, and 

 the under surface of the body has a brownish tinge washed with 

 purple. 



It is an active and lively bird, and looks as if it might become a 

 talker, if taken in hand when young: it is a native of Brazil, and, as 

 usually happens with the birds of that country, quite hardy, and easily 

 kept on a diet of seed. 



It is very seldom imported, and we do not recollect ever having met 

 with a specimen in the dealers' shops, but the London Zoological 

 Society possess an individual of this species that has been in their 

 possession for some time, a proof, if any be wanting, that it is not 

 delicate, or difficult to keep; for few of the Psittacidce attain to a 

 great age in the "Parrot House," always, of course, excepting the 

 veteran Vasa, who has lived there since 1830! and still appears to be 

 in the enjoyment of a fair amount of health and vigour. 



The Violet Parrot, like the Red-vented, is usually placed in Wagler's 

 genus Pionus, but is, nevertheless, a thorough Psittacus in shape and 

 habit, and is an extremely lively and interesting bird, and were we 

 writing a scientific instead of a familiar history of these birds, we 

 should have no hesitation in restoring it to its place in the latter 

 genus, as instituted by Kuhl, who divided the Psittacidce into five 

 groups or sections, namely, Arainoe, the Macaws; Plyctolojphince, the 



