PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS 143 
PLATE XXI 
PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS 
!• Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis Collett — 1A. Female 
Pseph-o-tus — Gk, psephotus , inlaid with pebbles: dis-sim -il-is — L., 
dissimilis , unlike. 
Distribution. — Northern Territory. 
Notes . — Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting the open forest- 
lands and spinifex country. It possesses a singular jarring call-note; it 
is generally observed feeding on the ground on grass seeds. When dis- 
turbed, it flies to a nearby tree ; its flight is swift and slightly undulating 
Food : seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. 
Nest. — In a termites’ mound. Usually in the large magnetic and 
spire-shaped termitaria. This bird makes an entrance tunnel, at the end 
of which it excavates a nesting-chamber. 
Eggs. — Four to six, white. Breeding-season : not recorded, probably 
May to January. 
2. Golden-shouldered Parrot Psephotus chrysopterygius Gould 
chrys-op-ter-yg -i-us — Gk, chrysos, golden; Gk, pteryx ( pterygos ), wing. 
Distribution. — Northern Queensland, from Normanton to the Watson 
River. 
Notes. — Also called Golden-winged Parrot. Usually in pairs or small 
flocks, inhabiting open forest :ountry, preferably areas dotted with mag- 
netic and spire-shaped termitaria; it also inhabits mangroves. It is an 
active bird, and has, in addition to the typical “Cluk-cluk” note, a soft and 
pleasing whistle resembling “Joee-joee,” with an occasional “J eeo -” It is 
generally observed feeding on the ground. Food: seeds of grasses and 
herbaceous plants. The female is similar to the female Hooded Parrot. 
Nest. — In a termites’ mound, like that of the Hooded Parrot. 
Eggs. — Four to six, white. Breeding-season: April and May. 
3. Paradise Parrot Psephotus pulcherrimus Gould — 3A. Female 
pul-cher -rim-us — L., pulcherrimus , very pretty. 
Distribution. — Queensland; also northern New South Wales. 
Notes. — Also called Beautiful Parrot and Ground Parrot. This 
extremely rare and beautiful Parrot frequents sparsely timbered grass- 
lands, where it is usually in pairs or small flocks. It was for many years 
