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. 
nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. 
eggs. Usually two, white. Breeding-season: usually October to 
January. 
17. Budgerigar Mclopsittacus undulatus Shaw 
Mel-op-sitl'-ac-us—G k, 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 
generally 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 pleasant 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 
published 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. 
