. Natural history. Zoology. 33° AVES—ORDER another can be shot down without the survivors attempting to fly away. It may be imagined how soundly they sleep when the noise of the shot does not disturb them ; and it is the same with Nasiterna. At other times of the day it is difficult to procure, as it lives in the high trees, where its small size and green plumage form a sufficient protection.'' Space does not permit of a full discussion of the habits and ways of all the Parrots, which are, after all, very similar ; but, as the Grey Parrot is a typical representative of the fam
. Natural history. Zoology. 33° AVES—ORDER another can be shot down without the survivors attempting to fly away. It may be imagined how soundly they sleep when the noise of the shot does not disturb them ; and it is the same with Nasiterna. At other times of the day it is difficult to procure, as it lives in the high trees, where its small size and green plumage form a sufficient protection.'' Space does not permit of a full discussion of the habits and ways of all the Parrots, which are, after all, very similar ; but, as the Grey Parrot is a typical representative of the family Psittamda, I give a few extracts from the account published by Mr. J. G. Keulemans, who studied the habits of the species in Prince's Island, in the Bight of Benin. In this West African island the Grey Parrot is very common, and does a great deal of mischief to the maize fields. The birds resort in great numbers to" certain parts of the forest to roost. Although he ultimately discovered the nesting-place of the Parrots, it was not easy to find the actual nests, though the cries of the birds convinced him that hundreds were con- cealed in the dense foliage around him. His servant at last found a nest, but as darkness was coming on fast, the tree was marked for operations on the following morning. "While thus occupied," says Mr. Keulemans, " troops of Parrots approached from different sides and settled among the trees. As for ourselves, we found capital shelter under a clump of bushes, where we concealed ourselves, and thence we observed the doings of the Parrots around us. Some were climbing and hanging on branches, others flying and scampering through the foliage. We saw them perching close to each other, and afterwards five or six settled just above our shelter. Numbers came from all sides, and the chattering which we had previously heard at the distance was by this time close to us. There was a noise of whistling, screaming, quarrelling, and the bre
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Keywords: ., bookauthorly, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectzoology
