Psittacus nasica, Tmm.

Slender-billed Cockatoo, the Nasecus Cockatoo, the Long-billed White Cockatoo (Ger., Nasenkakadu, Kleiner Nasenkakadu, Langschnabeliger Kakatu; Fr., Cacatois nasique, Nasiterne; Dut., Neus Kakketoe) - Description.

The Nasecus Cockatoo was described and drawn by Temminck in 1819. It certainly presents an extraordinary appearance, on account of its long projecting upper mandible, and the name which has been given it for this reason is really in some degree apt. The band on the forehead, the lores and the stripe round the eye are scarlet; a small rounded white crest, the feathers at the base having rosy down; a yellow spot behind the eye; all the rest of the body is white; on the head and throat the feathers also have rose-coloured down; the inner side of the flight feathers is whitish-yellow, on the reverse side light-yellow; the tail is of a decided light-yellow on the inner webs and reverse side; the spot on the upper part of the breast, and all the feathers at the base, are a dark rose-colour; the thigh is of pale rosy-red; the beak bluish-white, with a long projecting sharp point; the cere and nostrils are covered with little rose-coloured feathers; the eyes are black, dark, or light-brown, a broad bluish-white circle round the eye; the feet bluish-grey, with black scales and claws. In size fully as large as a crow (length, 17|in.; wings, 10 1/2in. to 10 3/4in.; tail, 4 1/2in. to 5in.).

It is a native of South Australia. It is said to subsist chiefly upon orchids, tubers, and roots, which it digs out of the ground by means of its curious beak; otherwise its habits do not differ from those of the preceding species. In its movements, flight, and gait it appears, however, more rapid and graceful, and is said to be rather a ground than a tree bird. Its nest is built in the hollows of gum-trees, and it is said to lay two eggs. Large swarms of them roost at night in the tall forest trees. They cause great damage to the crops; they are on this account greatly pursued, and, like their congeners, have almost everywhere been driven back into the bush. Many young ones are stolen from the nest, and brought up by hand; but more frequently, the old ones are caught in flocks by means of nets.

In the cage it usually appears sulky and ill-tempered, and at the same time is one of the worst of screechers. The majority learn only to say a few words, but some are said to be extraordinarily gifted in speech. A Nasecus Cockatoo belonging to Mr. Max Strahl became exceedingly tame, shook hands, and kissed, and when it was allowed to come out of the cage its joy and caresses knew no bounds. It made funny little leaps on the ground with its outspread fan-shaped tail, at the same time uttering peculiar notes. Mr. Miiller-Kiichler had a couple so tame that they accompanied him for long walks in the open air, flying from tree to tree, but would come at a call, and caress and kiss him. In their picturesque flight they often soared high into the air, and when pursued by a bird of prey the male mounted, screeching, to such a height that it was lost to sight, and thus escaped its pursuer. Taken when they are old, they are stupid, and very difficult to tame, very excitable, but not really vicious. The bird is very common in the trade.