40 



PHYSICAL CHARACTERS 



and placed within the cere ; the legs are short, 

 and very strong ; the tarsus shorter than the external 

 toe ; and the interior toes attached at their base. 



In the shape and length of body, there is great 

 variety in this tribe. Some are robust and short, 

 while others are elegant and taper in their form ; the 

 breasts of the whole species are well rounded. 



The eyes of Parrots are placed laterally, and ai e 

 of moderate dimensions. The upper and under lid 

 is continuous, forming a rounded orifice, bordered 

 with small tubercles, which support the eye-lashes 

 in its entire circumference. The upper part of the 

 lid is mobile, and the nictitating membrane is so 

 small, that it is never observed to be used by them^ 

 The pupil is round, and not placed exactly centrical, 

 but inclining towards the internal circumference of 

 the iris. A peculiai'ity in Parrots, is the power 

 they have of contracting the pupil at will, and not 

 dependant on the action of light, and may be more 

 particularly noticed when under the influence of 

 fear, anger, or any other internal commotion. The 

 iris, as in other animals, is subject to great variety 

 of colour in the different species. It has, however, 

 been remairked, that the colour of the iris deepens 

 as they increase in years. 



The opening of the ear is of an oval shape, and 

 small in its dimensions when compared with the size 

 of the ululae ; it is placed obliquely forward, and is 

 always covered with feathers. 



In the Maccaws, the cheeks are destitute of 

 feathers, but in their stead are covered with a white 



