264



Marquess of Tavistock—Swift Parmkeets



an effort at mimicry even more unexpected than that of the Racket¬

tailed Parrots who have learned to copy both the human speech and the

most inhuman yells of the Queen of Bavaria Conures ! My experience

with Swifts differs from M. Decoux’s. Not only did my young hen breed

when a year 'old, but both young cocks also came into full breeding

condition rather in advance of the adults : not only so, but one of them

happens to be the parent of the best youngster—a lovely little cock

already showing some red spots on the breast and promising to grow

bigger and more richly coloured than any of the imported adults.


The two hen Swifts treated each other with becoming forbearance

and I never saw any sign of quarrelling. The older one selected a natural

tree trunk and the youngster a grandfather clock box and they reared

two and three young respectively. The cocks also did no serious fighting

beyond momentarily asserting their rights against an intruder who

attempted interference with his companion’s mate or nest. In the main

the young cock was master but he was enough of a gentleman to give

way on occasions when he was obviously in the wrong.


Cock Swifts when in breeding condition behave rather differently

from other Parrakeets. On finding an alluring nest-hole they warble

excitedly and shiver their wings and later go inside and inspect the

premises, but should a hen wish to enter they at first drive her away

and only admit her some days later, with an apparent show of reluctance,

when they are quite sure her intentions are serious. It may be that they

know more about feminine psychology than cock Broadtails. A Broad¬

tail, with much tail-waggling, entreats “ Do come and look at this

perfectly wonderful home I’ve found ” and usually gets the reply,

“-H ’m ; I don’t think much of that. The entrance hole is far too big

and I’m sure it’s simply full of snakes ! ” On the other hand the cock

Swift announces My place is absolutely it. I’ve been inside and I know

all about it. Let you have a look at it 1 No fear ! At least not yet ;


I rather think Mary will be coming along soon and perhaps I shall

allow her a peep ! ”


When courting the cock Swift gives a curtsey a little reminiscent

of one of the actions of a Barraband and then, drawing himself up,

finds the hen, after which he repeats the performance. Later, when she

is sitting, the curtsey is omitted before feeding takes place. The hen



