Reptiles and birds - a popular account of their various orders, with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting (1883) (14729404746)

Identifier: reptilesbirds00figu (find matches)

Title: Reptiles and birds : a popular account of their various orders, with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting

Year: 1883 (1880s)

Authors: Figuier, Louis, 1819-1894 Gillmore, Parker

Subjects: Reptiles Birds

Publisher: London : Cassell & Co.

Contributing Library: American Museum of Natural History Library

Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

Text Appearing Before Image:

es of Paris mention aparrot that lived in the family of the Grand Duke of Tuscany inFlorence more than no years. Vieillot speaks of having seen oneneai Bordeaux which was eighty-four years of age. The averagelength of their life cannot, however, be exactly ascertained. Parrots rarely breed in Europe; it is true they often lay, but theeggs are sterile. A few instances have been known in France where,under favourable circumstances, they have perpetuated their species.Generally all that we see in our temperate regions are brought fromcountries where tlie majority have been taken from the nest. The family of Parrots comprises four principal groups :— TheMacaws, Parrakeets, Parrots proj^erly speaking, and Cockatoos. 43^ REPTILES AND BIRDS. The Macaws (Am), the largest of the Parrots, are recognisablefrom their bare cheeks and long tapering tails. They inhabit SouthAmerica, and are arrayed in the most brilliant colours. The prin-cipal species are the Ara or Blue and Yellow Macaw (Ara ara-

Text Appearing After Image:

Fig. 164.—Blue and Yellow Macaw. rauna. Fig. 164). The name Arara, by which they are known intheir habitat (Brazil), describes the deafening cries which they utter.Very familiar, they tame easily, and do not abuse the liberty grantedthem, for they never move far from their dwelling-place, and alwaysreturn to it. They like the caresses and attentions of people theyknow, but object to strangers. The Great Green Ara is remarkable PARRAKEETS. 437 for its aversion to children. This peculiarity doubtless arises_ fromthe fact that it is very jealous, and that it often sees childrenreceive the caresses of its mistress. The Macaws have only the giftof imitation in a slight degree ; they are seldom able to repeat anywords, and articulate badly. Parrakeets, much smaller than Macaws, have, like tliem, long

ara ararauna illustrations reptiles and birds a popular account of their various orders 1883 book illustrations ornithology birds zoological illustration natural history american museum of natural history reptiles high resolution images from internet archive aristocracy

1883

American Museum of Natural History Library

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