238 " BIRD-LIFE IN BURU. 
the branches, and balancing themselves by their wings, while they 
make a dainty breakfast on the rich flowers. These are the birds 
described by Moore as 
" Gay sparkling lories, such as gleam between 
The crimson flowers of the coral-tree 
In the warm isles of India's sunny sea." 
Among the teak-trees flocks of large green parrots are feeding upon 
the ripe fruit. Their wariness is such that the hunter finds it difficult 
to approach them, especially as the large dry leaves which cover the 
ground continually crack and rustle beneath his feet. To see these 
magnificent birds, says Bickmore, flying backward and forward in 
impetuous glee, and utterly unconscious of danger, is a noble sight ; and 
it seems little less than actual wickedness to shoot one, even when it is 
to be made the subject, not of idle gazing, but of careful study. When 
a parrot has been wounded, not only its mate, but the whole flock, on 
hearing its cries, will at once return, as if to afibrd their sympathy, and 
render, if possible, some assistance. 
In such spots as we have been describing, flocks of cream-coloured 
doves congregate for the sake of the fruit of the tall canari-tree, and 
with their loud, continuous cooing fill the air. Among the lower 
branches rest the long-tailed pigeons. In and out of the green bamboo 
clumps flit beautifully plumaged flycatchers; one of which, the 
Monarcha loricata, a slender bird about as large as a martin, with 
blue on the upper part of the body, and a pure, almost silver}^ white 
beneath, — except on the throat, which is covered with scale-like 
feathers, of a rich metallic blue-black, — is found only on the island of 
Buru. And in the bushes and shrubbery is constantl}' heard the cheer- 
ful note of the tropidorynchus, which seems akin to tlie curious friai- 
bird of Australia. 
ABOUT THE MALEO. 
In the island of Celebes, the naturalist may make the acquaintance 
of the maleo, or Megacephalon rubripes, which frequents the sandy 
beach and the mouths of small rivers, where in the hot, loose sand she 
deposits her eggs. In the dry months of August and September, the 
maleos come down in pairs to their favourite haunts, and scratch holes 
