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Swift Rarrakeet, or Horikeet. 
Psittacus discolor, Russ. 
Synonyns: Psittacus humeralis , Bchst.; Psittacus Lathami, Khl.; 
Euphema discolor, Wagl.; Lathamus discolor, Glb. 
Gekman : Per Schwalbenlori, oder der Lori m/it rosenrothem Gesicht. 
N OTWITHSTANDING its English and German names, some 
authorities consider it more than doubtful whether this pretty 
little bird has any claim to be called a Lory : it eats seeds readily, and 
though not averse to sponge-cake, sugar, and mealworms, will live very 
well without these dainties, and is so hardy that it will thrive perfectly 
in a suitably constructed out-door aviary all the year round, which is 
scarcely to be wondered at, when one considers that its principal habitat, 
Tasmania, rejoices in a temperate climate, bearing much resemblance 
to that of the south of England, and that a considerable degree of 
cold prevails, during the winter, in both places. 
Although common enough in their own country, the Swifts are not 
very frequently imported here; and when a few do occasionally arrive 
they always command a high pi’ice, which places them beyond the 
reach of ordinary amateurs. 
Concerning this species Mr. Wiener writes as follows : — “Immediately 
after arrival these birds are delicate, and require careful feeding on 
millet and canary seed, and soaked bread or sponge-cake, to both of 
which a little honey may be added with advantage.” 
We have not found them delicate, and think that when landed in 
good condition they soon recover from the effects of the voyage, and, 
as we have said, become so hardy as to pass without inconvenience the 
winter out of doors. 
The Swift is a pretty bird; the general colour of the plumage is 
bright green, a narrow band of scarlet marks the forehead, the top 
of the head is black, bordered with blue, the throat is deep red, the 
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