OF PARROTS. 



43 



however, rather short ; and, as their bodies are 

 usually bulky, they have consequently some diffi- 

 culty in rising to any great altitude ; but, having 

 once gained a certain height, they fly easily, and 

 some species with much rapidity. Some are capable 

 of making considerable aerial excursions. The 

 usual mode of flight, of many species, is simply 

 from one branch to another ; and unless they are 

 violently disturbed or pursued, these will seldom be 

 tempted to make a continuous flight. 



The number of feathers in the tails of Parrots, is 

 always twelve ; but they are subject to great variety 

 of length in the different species, as also in the rela- 

 tive lengths of the feathers in individual species. 

 The general form is also exceedingly varied, as 

 graduated, arrow or spear-shaped, straight or 

 square. Some species have the rectrices sharp at 

 their points, while in others they are rounded. The 

 upper tail-coverts are very much elongated in some 

 species of the last division of Parrots, and reach 

 nearly to the end of the rectrices ; which character 

 obtains mostly in species whose tails are graduated, 

 and almost never to be met with in those which are 

 straight at their termination. 



In the general distribution of the colours, there 

 appears to be some fixed rules. The quills of the 

 wings are usually gray, brown, or black at their 

 under face, and on the interior of their barbs, 

 which are concealed from view ; and the visible 

 parts are of high-toned colours. The rectrices of 

 the tail have usually the lower face more obscure 



