491 AXACA AND MARIANNA PARROT. 



from the shoulders, is red. The tail is especially handsome, 

 the outside feathers being' deep blue, tipped with yellow; 

 the next red, with a similar yellow tip ; and all the remain- 

 ing ones green, with yellow tips. The bill is of a light colour, 

 and the legs and feet dark. It is the species most ordinarily 

 brought to England, and is valued on account of its powers 

 of imitation — individuals having been taught not only words, 

 but whole sentences. 



AXACA PARROT. 



One among the most rare of the beautiful parrot family is 

 the anaca (Derotypus coronatus). It is of a green colour, 

 and at the back of its head rises a hood of red feathers 

 bordered with blue, which it can elevate or depress at plea- 

 sure. It is the only American parrot which resembles the 

 cockatoo of Australia. It is of a solemn, morose, and irrit- 

 able disposition. The natives often keep the bird in the 

 house for the purpose of seeing the irascible creature expand 

 its beautiful feathers, which it readily does when excited. 

 The crest is something like that of a harpy eagle. It is 

 known also as the hawk-headed parrot. 



MARIANNA PARROT. 



There is also a beautiful black-headed species- — the macai oi 

 the Indians — known as the marianna. It has a white breast, 

 orange neck and thighs. It is a remarkably lively little bird, 

 and when tamed, shows its playful and inquisitive disposition. 



Wallace describes one which lie had on board his canoe, 

 which used to climb into every crack and cranny, diving into 

 all the baskets, pans, and pots it- could discover, and tasting 

 everything they contained. It. was a most omnivorous feeder, 



