Notes on Some Coiiurcs. 185 
also wheat. I supply bunches of green oats in the ear when ri 
season, and these are much relished. All the Conures (and 
nearly all other Parrots) are fond of this, and it is very amusing 
to watch the little Prince Lucian Conures holding up a straw In 
one foot after the manner of the great Macaws. All ripe fruits 
should be given when in season, as I believe in plenty of variety 
for birds in captivity. The best nesting-box for conures is one 
which has a long entrance run or spout leading into a nest 
chamber with a small hinged lid for cleaning and examination 
purposes. These boxes are certainly more expensive to make 
than the ordinary log, but they are far more suitable, as the cock 
can keep guard at the mouth of the spout, and the nest chamber 
itself is practically inaccessible to an enemy. All Parrots 
delight in privacy when nesting, and this should be remembered 
when we are trying to breed them in captivity. 
Conures are not very quarrelsome birds, and several 
species may be kept together in a roomy aviary. At present 1 
have the Euops and Black-headed Conures in an aviary con- 
taining Cardinals, Doves, Zebra Finches, Budgerigars, Love- 
birds, etc., yet they have done no damage. The best way ro 
avoid accidents in a mixed collection is to provide large, thick 
branches, and small twiggy branches in about equal proportions. 
The Conures and other large birds will keep to the large 
branches, wdiile the small fry use the twigs and cannot be bullied 
there by the larger species, as the twigs will not bear their 
heavier weight. Taken all round the Conures are most inter- 
esting aviary birds, and, the smaller species in particular, make 
cliarming cage pets. Up till now only four or five species have 
been bred in captivity, so there is plenty of scope for those who 
want to try for an F.B.C. medal. And who does not ? 
0 
Breeding the Blach-cap Lory ^ 
(Lorius lory). 
By Mrs. M. Burgess, F.Z.S. 
Lories are not only mostly of gorgeous colouration, 
shapely contour, but are of a most interesting deportment — the 
monkeys of the parrot-tribe — one never wearies of watching 
their quaint and amusing play and other acrobatic performances. 
