200 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. II., PART IL 



great numbers when young, report them to breed in hollow 

 trees. They roost in large flocks in the cocoanut topes. 

 2, — P. Torquatus (DaubentorCs PL EnL, 551). 

 Syn. — Psittaca Torquata, Bris. ; Psittacus Alexandria 

 var. B. Latham ; P. Cubicularis, Hassel ; P. Docilis, 

 Viel. ; Girawd, Sin. ; Marutan-kUi, Tennan-kili, Mai. 

 (Marutu literally, the name of a tree in which they 

 breed). 



Particularly common in the Jaffna peninsula, and extend- 

 ing to Chilaw. In the harvest time they feed in vast flocks 

 on the stubble or standing grain, leaving sentinels on watch 

 for danger. When the grain fails them they devour the 

 fruit of the tamarind, margosa, &c. 



The eggs are pure white, and with little distinction 

 between the two ends : they are generally three or four in 

 number, and are laid in holes in trees with but scarcely 

 any nest. Weight, 2 drachms and 16 grains. Incubation 

 begins in March. 



They are brought to Colombo to be tamed, and when pro- 

 perly taught speak well, and are much sought after by the 

 native bird-fanciers. 



3. — P. Calthrop,e, Layard. 

 Of this lovely bird I procured but one pair, and those in the 

 month of November, 1848, at Kandy. The male was killed 

 on the wing, the female in the act of feeding on the ground 

 on some decayed fruits. As these specimens are in Calcutta 

 with Mr. Blyth, the Curator of the Bengal Asiatic Society's 

 Museum, I cannot describe them from themselves, and must 

 therefore subjoin the description which he has published ; 

 and here I would beg to acknowledge the great obligations 

 I am under to that gentleman for the names and identification 

 of all the species here enumerated. Had it not been for the 

 aid thus kindly afforded, the rough notes of the birds 

 collected would never have seen the light. 



