J. F. M. Floyd—The Orange-bellied Grass Parrot 219


South Australia in July. The young leave the nest about the end

of August.


Largest clutch with parents that I have seen is four.


They return to Tasmania by December. They like the same food

as other Neophema. They are more friendly to each other than

Elegants, Bluewings, and Docks, because there are not many of them,

only a small community or a few small communities.


Fortunately their breeding place is not known, although from

observations in the past two years I know it within a radius of five

miles and could find it on horseback. One would get bushed on foot

as well as getting very tired walking over scrub covered hills. It is

as hardy as other Neophema and has the same delicate skull.


They have hatched for me, but the young had their heads eaten

(by mice I am afraid) three days later. This article was mislaid when

written owing to changing my abode and has just been rediscovered,

so I have added my later knowledge to it.


(This is the last sheet in the block and there are a few more words

to add.)


I agree with Lord Tavistock that they are one of the three Neophema

and the other three are Neononades.


From their colours I cannot see the Elegant and Bluewing existing

as a hybrid between Orange-belly and Rock. I believe there is some¬

one writing to this effect although I have not read the article.


There is no yellow on the face below the eye but just a tinge of

lime green which also shows round the eye as a faint ring.


My only hatching experience was four eggs laid and three hatched.

They have not had a fair chance with me as at both breeding seasons

they had to be caught while I was changing my home and they have

now had one year in which to get used to their new quarters so I think

they will not be more difficult to breed than the other members. The

hen comes into breeding condition much later than the cock.



