266 A HAND-BOOK OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS 



and wing coverts greyish black, margined with yellow, giving it a 

 finely variegated appearance, especially about the neck ; on each side 

 of the beak are series of dark blue spots (number and position vary in 

 different individuals), the cere of the nostrils in the adult bird blue; in 

 the adult female very faint blue or cream coloured, becoming brown or 

 brownish when maturity is attained ; the total length about 7J inches. 

 Hab. — South Australia. 



Length of life in captivity. 



Identification is difficult, as the older specimens get mixed up with 

 the later acquisitions. It is certain, however, that some of those 

 obtained in 1880 are still flourishing. 



(182) THE ROSE-FACED LOVE-BIRD. 

 (AGAPOENIS ROSEICOLLrS— (Vieill.) ) 



Description. — Total length about 5 to 5J inches ; the general 

 colour of the plumage light green ; forehead scarlet ; the cheeks and 

 throat rosy-red ; the rump and upper tail-coverts washed with blue ; 

 tail crossed with reddish-brown and black bands, there being a tinge 

 of blue between the reddish-brown and the black; beak horny light 

 grey ; legs plumbeous. 



Hab. — South Africa. 



(183) THE GREY-HEADED LOVE-BIRD. 



(AGAPQB^IS CAN A— (Gmel.) ) 



Description. — Smaller than the preceding ; the general colour of 

 the plumage green ; head, neck, and upper breast pale ashy ; the 

 female differs from the male in having the head, neck and breast much 

 lighter, and in having black spots on the tail. 



Hab. — Madagascar. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 Specimens have been living since 1883. 



Treatment in health. 



Housing. — Unsuitable accommodation hastened the death of the 

 torquoisine parrakeets. Though the cage was protected from rain, the 

 house was damp and exposed to draughts — conditions most unfavourable 

 to parrot life ; the undulated grass parrakeets have done well here ; 

 they may be safely kept in roomy cages in a verandah which can 

 be closed in. They are sociable creatures and like to live in company; 

 fresh turf should frequently be laid at the bottom of the cage, as they 

 enjoy pecking at grass and earth. They are ordinarily not fond of 



