Psittacus canicularis, LINNÆUS; La Perruche à front rouge, BUFFON; Der rothstirnige Sittich, Bechstein.
This species, which is rather common among us, is ten inches in length, of which the tail measures half, of which the folded wings cover one third; the forehead is scarlet, the top of the head a fine sky blue, paler at the back; the upper part of the body meadow green, the under lighter.
The forehead is orange, and the circle of the eye pale yellow may be peculiar to the female.
OBSERVATIONS.--This parrot is handsome, but does not speak. Although a native of South America, is not very delicate or difficult to preserve. The food as usual.
Psittacus lunatus, BECHSTEIN; Der Mondfleckige, BECHSTEIN.
This species, which I have not found described by any author, may be seen in the collection belonging to his Highness the Duke of Saxe Meiningen. Its length is eleven inches and a half, of which the tail measures six. The beak, one inch in length. The forehead is deep red, a crescent of the same colour extends towards the upper part of the neck, ornamenting the top of the breast; the upper part of the body is leek green, becoming a little darker on the head. The under part of the body is light green, slightly tinted with red on the breast; the under part of the pen and tail feathers is dirty yellow.
OBSERVATIONS.--I do not know of what country this parrot is a native. It appears very lively, cries often and very loudly "_goeur, goeur_," speaks prettily and distinctly, and appears very healthy. The bird from which the description is taken is certainly a proof that this species will attain a great age, for it is very old.
Psittacus cristatus, LINNÆUS; Kakatoes à huppe blanche, BUFFON; Der gemeine Kakatu, BECHSTEIN.
The size of this bird is that of a barn-door fowl, and its length seventeen inches. The beak is blackish, and the membrane at the base black; the iris is dark brown, the circle of the eye white. The whole of the plumage is white except the large quill-feathers and the exterior feathers of the tail, the inner beards of which are primrose-yellow to the centre. The tuft, which the bird raises and sinks at will, is five inches in length.
OBSERVATIONS.--At present, this species is only found in the Moluccas. The general custom in Germany is to give it a spacious cage in the form of a bell, from the top of which is hung a large metal ring, in which it likes to perch.