HAWK-HEADED PARROT. 7 



wing with the tip of the finger almost laughs; at any rate wriggles 

 about and contorts himself after the manner of a human being in a 

 similar predicament; making at the same time a little remonstrant noise 

 that sounds uncommonly like the familiar contraction "Don't!" but 

 nevertheless evincing a keen appreciation of the fun, and retaliating 

 on his tormentor by playfully nibbling the attacking finger. 



From indications we have observed we feel sure this bird would 

 willingly pair if it had a mate, and although we have been promised 

 one, we do not see much sign of its arrival, and fear that poor "Pinto" 

 is doomed to linger out a life of single blessedness (?) without a chance 

 of helping to perpetuate the species. 



Another observation we have made tending to confirm the opinion 

 already expressed that "Pinto" is a lady, is that "she" does not 

 appear at all disposed to make up to any of the fellow captives that 

 occupy the same room, as male Parrots generally do; for instance, it 

 utterly rejected the advances of a female Ring-necked Parrakeet, takes 

 no notice of a Plumhead male, or of "Pilate", except to fly at the 

 latter when it alights on the cage, and generally resenting the approach 

 of its congeners. 



Taking, however, "Pinto" for all in all, we have no hesitation in 

 saying that he, she, or it is one of the most delightful and amusing 

 birds we have ever kept, and, we feel assured, this species only requires 

 to be better known to be appreciated as it deserves. 



Quite recently "Pinto" has developed a new accomplishment, and, 

 as we write, is whistling "bonnily", as a Scotchman would say. In 

 fact we can place no limit to the development of his talents, seeing 

 that he has learned so much during the two years he has been in our 

 possession, and picks up a new trick almost every day. 



Since writing the above we have acquired another bird of this species, 

 which is even more droll and interesting than "Pinto", which it sur- 

 passes in linguistic attainments, possessing a repertoire that would do 

 credit to any Grey Parrot; it is also full of tricks, rolls on its back 

 and tosses a pebble about with its feet; stands on its head in the corner 

 of the cage; cries "Hark!" and holds up one foot to call attention; 

 quite confirming the impression we had already formed as to the 

 intelligence and tractability of the Hawk-headed Parrots. 



