Psittacus Alexandri, L.

Javan Parrakeet, Jew Parraheet (Ger., Rothschnabeliger Edel-sittich mit rother Brust, Rosenbrustiger Alexandersittich von Java, blos Alexander sittich von Java, javanischer Edelsittich, blos Alexandersittich (/), Rosenbrustsittich; Fr., Perruche Alexandre de Java, Perruche a poitrine rose; Dut., Java Alexander Parkiet) - Description - Rarely Imported Alive - Interesting as a Cage Bird.

Three species of these parrots very closely resemble each other, and therefore have received the common name of Rose-breasted Alexandrine Parrakeets. Until lately they were, in Europe, regarded as of little importance to the amateur. They were reported to have little intelligence, and not to be good-tempered; but later keepers and connoisseurs have given a very favourable account of them.

The Javan Alexandrine Parrakeet has a black band on the forehead, and black lores; the top and sides of the head are greyish-green; a broad black stripe appears on the chin and cheeks, and extends across the middle of the throat; the nape and hinder part of the neck are grass-green; the flights grey on the inner web, and ashen grey on the whole of the reverse side; there is a large oblong spot of olive-yellow on the wing; the tail is green, with a pale yellow tip; the two central feathers blue, all on the reverse side a dull yellow; all the rest of the upper part of the body is of an olive yellowish-green; from the throat to the centre of the belly dull rose-colour; the rest of the under part of the body yellowish-green; the beak red; the cere white; the eyes light yellow; eye cere yellowish-grey; the feet brownish-grey; claws blackish. Size, somewhat less than that of the Ring-necked Alexandrine Parrakeet (length, 12 5/8in. to 13 3/8in.; wings, 5 1/4in. to 5 3/4in.; longest feather in the tail, 4 5/8in. to 5 7/8in.; outermost feathers of the tail, 2in. to 2 3/8in.). It is a native of Java, Borneo, and probably also of Sumatra and Malacca.

This bird was one of those of which specimens were collected during Osbeck's journey in 1757, and was first described by Odhel in 1700, and named by Linne. It must therefore be accounted as the true Linne's Parrakeet, and most certainly is not the parrakeet which has been known in Europe from the time of Alexander and Caesar; for this, as I remarked on page 200, was the bird now called the Ring-necked Alexandrine Parrakeet.

As this parrakeet, like all those previously described, is kept as a cage bird in its native country, and said to be a highly prized favourite, it is astonishing that it should be so rarely imported alive. Bechstein described it as "the most charming, teachable and talkative of parrots, and unusually tame, gentle and affectionate in its ways." Some years ago I had a Javan Alexandrine Parrakeet, but derived little pleasure from it, for it neither became tame nor proved itself teachable. Schlechtendal experienced the same thing; yet a second parrakeet of this species which he had proved very talented, learning to say things without any special teaching, and being exceedingly tame. The Baroness S. von Schlechta, of Vienna, seems to be the greatest admirer of the Javan Alexandrine Parrakeet. She has had five specimens, and speaks of them all as being exceedingly affectionate. Of one hen she says : "Not a note is disagreeable, or even harsh; every one is clear and bright. It does not display towards me the least trace of viciousness or ill-temper, but allows itself to be caressed and fed from the mouth. It laid at short intervals as many as forty-two eggs, which were all, however, soft-shelled, and either eaten or destroyed by the bird itself. The other Javan Parrakeets also show great affection for me, and are charmingly droll and intelligent. One of these birds says, with a clear voice, 'Papagei!' then ' Anna. Papagei!' 'gei, gei!' and ' ei, ei!' and then laughs loudly and clearly, so that I am obliged to join in its merriment. The male bird sings a clear short song, and nods its head right and left. Their tricks are very comical; they make low bows, etc."

We thus find in this species, when treated properly and affectionately, a charming and interesting cage bird; its talent for speech is, however, small in comparison with that developed by the species previously described.