PARROTS OF THE TREE-TOPS AND OPEN SPACES 
155 
Usually in flocks, frequenting the flowering eucalypts, and often in the 
company of the Scaly-breasted, Musk, and Little Lorikeets. Its flight is 
swift and the flocks travel great distances seeking blossom-laden trees. It 
utters an incessant chattering and screeching while feeding, and a sharp 
call-note when on the wing. It does considerable damage in orchards and 
on this account is considered a pest. Food : nectar, flowers, and native and 
cultivated fruits. 
N est. — In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. 
Eggs . — Usually two, white. Breeding-season: usually October to 
January. 
17. Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus Shaw 
Mel-op-sitt'-ac-us — Gk, melos, song; Gk, psittacos, parrot: un-du-la-tus — 
L., undulatus , marked with waves. 
Distribution. — Australia, chiefly the inland areas. 
Notes. — Also called Shell Parrot, Warbling Grass-parrot, Canary 
Parrot, Zebra Parrot, Betcherrygah, and Love-bird. Usually in flocks, 
inhabiting the open country, chiefly those areas interspersed with belts of 
timber, or isolated patches of scrub. It is a migratory species, and gener- 
ally appears in the southern portions of the continent in late winter or 
early spring, departing during February or March. It is generally observed 
feeding in the grass, and when disturbed, rises with the rest of the flock 
and settles in the nearest tree. While feeding, or when perched in a tree 
it is constantly warbling and chattering in a most pleasing manner. Its 
flight is remarkably straight and rapid, and is generally accompanied by 
screeching call-notes. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. 
Nest. — In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. 
Eggs. — From four to eight, pure white. Breeding-season: usually 
October to December. 
18. Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor Shaw 
Lathamus — Dr John Latham (1740-1837), English ornithologist who pub- 
lished in 1801 the first descriptions of many Australian birds : dis'-col-or 
L., discolor, different coloured. 
Distribution . — South-eastern Australia and Tasmania. 
Notes. — Also called Red-shouldered Parrot, Swift-flying Parakeet, 
and Swift-flying Lorikeet. Usually in flocks, frequenting the flowering 
eucalypts and other nectar-bearing trees. It is a migratory species in 
Tasmania, but appears to be nomadic on the mainland. In the north- 
eastern portion of New South Wales its movements coincide with the 
flowering of the various species of eucalypts. It is aptly named Swift 
Parrot, as its flight is remarkably rapid; mostly one hears its screeching 
note and sees a flash of green as it passes overhead. Food : nectar and 
flowers. 
Nest. — In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. 
Eggs. — Usually two, white. Breeding-season : November to January. 
