PARROTS OF THE TREE-TOPS AND OPEN SPACES I5I 
notes. Also called Grass-parrot and Elegant Grass-parrot. Usually 
in pairs or small flocks, frequenting the grass-lands, often out on the 
plains away from trees, barren sandy belts bordering the coast, and 
sparsely timbered areas. It is nomadic in habits and generally very shy. 
When flushed, it flies in a peculiar zigzag manner, sometimes alighting 
on the ground within a short distance, but more frequently ascending 
to a great altitude and disappearing from sight, hood: seeds of grasses 
and herbaceous plants. 
nest. In a hole in a branch of a tree. 
eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: August to October. 
4. Rock Parrot Ncophevia petrophila Gould 
pet-roph'-il-a-G k, petros, rock; Gk, philos, fond of. 
distribution. Coasts of South Australia and Western Australia. 
notes. Also called Rock Parakeet. Usually in pairs or small flocks, 
chiefly frequenting the islands off the coast, and swampy situations of 
the coastal areas. Its flight is swift and erratic; at times it mounts to 
a great height in the air. Strangely enough, it appears to select the 
most exposed and bleak situations possible in which to dwell and 
breed. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. A favourite food 
is the seed of a species of Mesembryanthemum, common on most 
islands off the south-western coast. 
nest. In a hole in a cliff or in a cavity under a rock. 
eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: September to 
December. 
5. Bourke Parrot Neophema bourki Gould 
tour/a'-Bourke, New South Wales. 
distribution. Interior of Queensland, western New South Wales, 
Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and central Australia. 
notes. Also called Bourke’s Grass-parrot, Night Parrot, and Pink- 
bellied Parrot. Usually in pairs or small flocks, frequenting thick 
acacia scrubs. It passes most of its time on the ground searching for 
the seeds of various grasses, herbaceous plants, and acacia trees, which 
constitute its food. It also has the peculiar habit of visiting the watering 
places after dark or before dawn. 
nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. 
eggs. Four or five, pure white. Breeding-season: August to October. 
6. Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella Shaw 
pul-chel'-la- L., pulchellus, pretty. 
distribution. Southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, 
and South Australia. 
