108 
THE GREAT GREEN MACCAW, 
the forests, or its food to the fruits there produced, 
but attacks in congregated flocks the fields of maize, 
and other cultivated grain and fruits. Upon these 
it frequently commits serious depredations, to such an 
extent, indeed, as to require the constant attention and 
watching of the inhabitants during the period of ma- 
turation. When engaged in their predatory excur- 
sions, a guard is constantly left by the flock in some 
elevated station, generally the summit of a tree, 
from whence, should danger be apprehended, an 
alarm is given by a loud and peculiar cry, which is 
responded to by the immediate flight of the wary 
depredators. They are also said to feed upon the 
flowers of the Erythinae, and some species of Thi- 
baudiiB, before the ripening of the grains, but whe- 
ther this is merely to obtain the nectarious juice, as 
practised by the Asiatic Lories and Australian Tri- 
choglossi, or for the thick and fleshy substance of the 
flower and embryo pod or seed-vessel, does not ap- 
pear from Wagler's account. During the period of 
the rains, which commence in October, the great 
body of these birds migrate to other districts, and 
do not return till the maize begins to ripen, which 
takes place in January and February. It is easily 
tamed, and of a docile disposition, but can rarely be 
taught to articulate more than a few words. It ap- 
pears to have been a favourite among the ancient 
Peruvians, as we are told it was frequently presented 
to the Incas, by their subjects, as an acceptable gift. 
In size, it is inferior to several of the Maccaws, its 
