PARROTS.

Capacity as Talkers - Distinguishing Marks - Habitat - Importation - Management.

Far behind the two genera of which we have already spoken stand the Long-winged Parrots (Pionias, Wgl.), both in respect of talent for speech and mental capacity; yet they greatly resemble them in physical and other peculiarities, as well as in their manner of life. They really only learn to chatter, not to talk properly. Among the fifty different species which are at present known, only three are speakers; but this by no means proves that none of the others, or even most of them, will not at some time or other prove themselves to be gifted with speech. I shall, therefore, enter the more fully into the general descriptions, researches, and experiences forthcoming as to the genus Pionias.

Their distinguishing marks are - the beak strong, longer than deep, somewhat compressed, with a long, overhanging point, mostly clearly cut, with a much-bent, sharp-edged ridge, distinctly furrowed; the lower mandible is of the same depth, with a broader, more rounded socket-edge, and the rims hollowed; the tongue is thick, fleshy, broad, and ending abruptly; the nostrils are open, rounded; the cere is either set with single bristles or feathered all over; eye cere white; the lores are feathered; the wings are long, pointed, more than twice as long as the tail; the latter is broad, straight, shaped at the end like a bracket, rarely rounded off; the feet are strong, short, with powerful, much-bent claws; the plumage soft, inclining to firmness, consisting of broad feathers, taking in many species the shape of scales on the head and neck; no powdery down; the prevailing colour is green; no central spot in the wings; the body is short, thick, and compact. Size, about that of a crow or starling.

The Long-winged Parrots are more widespread than any other, for they appear in Asia, Africa, and America. Unfortunately, we have as yet but little information concerning their mode of life in freedom; we only know that they inhabit trees preferably, and, except at brooding time, live gregariously, and in large flocks attack and do much harm to the useful crops, feed upon fruits and all kinds of seeds, and, like most of the parrots, build in trees.

The dealers import only one species - the Small Senegal Parrot - regularly and in great numbers; all the others come singly' and by chance. The Pioninse, which, however, are chiefly to be regarded as ornamental birds, have found in Mr. von Schleth-tendal, State Councillor, of Merseburg, and in the university bookseller, Mr. Fiedler, of Agram, sympathetic observers and friends. I have myself, in the course of years, kept a considerable number of them. Immediately after importation they are, as a rule, very weak; but as soon as they have recovered from the effects of the bad treatment they receive on the way, they in almost every case show themselves to be strong and hardy; yet they do not appear to live as long as other parrots. Most of them are quiet birds, which move but little, soon become tame and affectionate, but from time to time scream most insufferably. Some of the smaller species are exceedingly gentle and lovable, and, moreover, never utter a disagreeable note. On the whole, they cannot be accounted favourites, because they are nearly all of a dull colour; yet many species fetch a high price, not only on account of their rarity, but for their beauty and pleasing ways. No results have as yet been attained in the breeding of them, and this is much to be regretted, because travellers have not had an opportunity of observing their natural development.

Their management is simple and inexpensive, for they really eat nothing but seeds and fruit. They are fed with canary seed, oats, sunflower seeds, and hemp; but care must be used in giving the last, especially in warm weather. Good sweet fruit, milky maize heads, and a little green food, as well as green branches to gnaw, are necessary for their health.