PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS 
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PLATE XXI 
PARROTS OF THE OPEN FOREST AND SCRUB-LANDS 
1. Hooded Parrot Psephotus dissimilis Collett—1A. Female 
Pseph-o-tus —Gk, psephotus, inlaid with pebbles: dis-sini -il-is —L., 
dissimilis, unlike. 
Distribution. —Northern Territory. 
Notes.— Usually in pairs or small flocks, inhabiting the open forest¬ 
lands and spinifex country. It possesses a singular jarring call-note; it 
is generally observed feeding on the ground on grass seeds. When dis¬ 
turbed, it flies to a nearby tree; its flight is swift and slightly undulating. 
Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. 
Nest. —In a termites’ mound. Usually in the large magnetic and 
spire-shaped termitaria. This bird makes an entrance tunnel, at the end 
of which it excavates a nesting-chamber. 
Tffffs .—Four to six, white. Breeding-season: not recorded, probably 
May to January. 
2. Golden-shouldered Parrot Psephotus chrysopterygius Gould 
chrys-op-ter-yg'-i-us —Gk, chrysos, golden; Gk, pteryx (pterygos ), wing. 
Distribution. —Northern Queensland, from Normanton to the Watson 
River. 
Notes.— Also called Golden-winged Parrot. Usually in pairs or small 
flocks, inhabiting open forest country, preferably areas dotted with mag¬ 
netic and spire-shaped termitaria; it also inhabits mangroves. It is an 
active bird, and has, in addition to the typical “Cluk-cluk” note, a soft and 
pleasing whistle resembling “Joee-joee,” with an occasional “Jeeo.” It is 
generally observed feeding on the ground. Food: seeds of grasses and 
herbaceous plants. The female is similar to the female Hooded Parrot. 
Nest. —In a termites’ mound, like that of the Hooded Parrot. 
EQ9 s -—Four to six, white. Breeding-season: April and May. 
3. Paradise Parrot Psephotus pulcherrimus Gould—3A. Female 
pul-cher -rim-us —L., pulcherrimus, very pretty. 
Distribution. —Queensland; also northern New South Wales. 
Notes. —Also called Beautiful Parrot and Ground Parrot. This 
extremely rare and beautiful Parrot frequents sparsely timbered grass¬ 
lands, where it is usually in pairs or small flocks. It was for many years 
