I OF PARROTS. 45 



more rapid growth than the others. These serve 

 as a sure indication of the colours which are to be 

 on the parts where they shoot out ; and in young 

 birds ^vill point out their species, if before doubtful. 



In many instances the females differ in the colour 

 of their plumage from that of the male ; but when 

 it is the same, it is for the most part duller in its 

 hue. 



It has been asserted, that the natives of Brazil 

 can change the colour of the plumage of Parrots ; 

 if this is the case, which we think quite probable, 

 they can increase the list of species, as colour is 

 frequently all that constitutes a specific difference 

 in birds. 



The Carolina Parrot, it will be found by our 

 description of Plate 1. migrates according to the 

 season. This is also the case with a limited number 

 of other species, which are well known to travel 

 a distance of some hundred leagues. The species 

 whose powers of flight are limited, are found to be 

 inhabitants of the Polynesian group of islands. 



Parrots are almost always gregarious, except 

 during incubation, at which time some of the spe- 

 cies separate into pairs. The whole tribe retire to 

 rest at sunset, and awake with the dawn of day. 

 They sleep lightly, with the head turned towards 

 the back, and partially covered by the feathers, 

 which they erect ; and it is not unusual for them 

 to utter cries during the night. 



In a state of domestication. Parrots accommodate 

 themselves to the habits of the family with which they 



