Psittacus nobilis, L.

Noble Parrot (Ger., Kleiner gruner Arara, Blaustirniger Arara, Blaustirn-Arara; Fr., Ara noble, Petit Ara vert, Ara pavouane; Dut., Blauwneus Ara) - Description - Cleverness as a Speaker.

This species is the best known and greatest favourite among the small macaws. It is marine blue on the forehead and on the upper edge of the eye; all the rest of the upper part of the body is dark grass-green; the inner webs of the quills are of a dull olive-green, the reverse side of the quills olive-green; the covert feathers on the bend of the wing, along the under part of the wing, and on the bastard wing, as well as the small under coverts of the wing, scarlet; the largest under coverts of the wing olive greenish-yellow; the reverse side of the tail also olive greenish-yellow; all the under part of the body dull grass-green; the upper mandible horn greyish-white; the under beak horn brownish-black, with lighter tip; the featherless cheeks white, without the row of small feathers; eyes orange-yellow; feet dark grey; claws blackish-brown. In size it is nearly as large as a pigeon (length, 13 1/4in.; wings, 6 5/8in. to Tin.; tail, 5 1/8in. to 6 5/8in. It is a native of Central Brazil.

The Noble Macaw was first described and made known by Linne in 1764. The Prince von Wied informs us that, although it is rather shy, and nowhere very common, yet he had seen it in small flocks on a cocoanut palm in the middle of a village, and had heard its loud cry in flight. Burmeister says it resembles its congeners in every respect. Though extremely rare in the trade and at exhibitions, it may usually be seen in zoological gardens. Mrs. H. von Proschek, of Vienna, who is a great admirer of these birds, informs us that a couple in her possession are unsurpassed in tameness and affection, and that the male might compete with the best Grey Parrot in talent for speech. "It sings, laughs, knocks, and when I call, 'Come in!' asks, ' Where is the mistress ?' etc. In all, it has learnt about fifty words, and it is astonishing how correctly it can apply them. It plays with an Amazon Parrot after the manner of two puppies tumbling each other about." This couple was in the possession of Mrs. von Proschek for years, and made several attempts at breeding, but unfortunately always without success.