CAGE 4N.D SINGING BIRDS. 
141 
the exception of the large pinion feathers^ and those afc the 
end of the tail, which are a delicate yellow, approaching to 
a primrose. The crest feathers are about five inches long, 
and can be erected or depressed at wilL This elegant 
bird has a black beak, and a bald circle round the eyes. It 
may be kept in a large wire beli-shaped cage, furnished 
with two transverse perches and a moveable ring, on which 
the bird delights to sit and swing ; or it may be chained to 
a stand, as parrots are often kept. 
THE LESSER WHITE COCKATOO 
Is about fourteen inches long. It is sometimes called the 
sulphur-crested, on account of the colour of the beautiful 
and characteristic ornament of ity head. The yellow tint is 
more observable in this bird than in the larger species, which 
in general conformation, as well as habits and manners, 
it closely resembles. It is very playful and amusing, fond 
of being noticed and caressed ; except w^hen excited by plea- 
sure or alarm, the crest feathers are generally depresse(\ 
extending over the nape of the neck. 
THE GREAT RED-CRESTED COCKATOO. 
This is a noble bird, being about two feet long. Tlie 
colour of the plumage is generally white, with here and 
there a pale rosy or primrose tinge. The crest is very 
large, some of the feathers being six inches long ; the lower 
part of it is a bright orange red. The beak and feet are lead 
coloured, the cere black, and the bald circle round the eyes 
pearl gray. It is not so gentle as the two last-named 
species, but has a bold defying aspect. It can be taught 
to imitate various sounds, especially the cries of animals, 
and sometimes crows loudly, flapping its wings the while, 
like a veritable chanticleer ^ it screams out its own name, 
cochatoo I in a most ear-splitting manner, and every now 
and then sends out a note like a trumpet peal, which the 
Germans call derdeng. 
THE RED-VENTED COCKATOO 
Is rather a smaller bird than the last described, being about 
the size of the ash-coloured parrot. It has a pale flesh- 
coloured beak, but gray at the base, yellowish-red circles 
round the eyes, and dull gray feet. It has a spiall crest, in 
