ally they perform a variety of
elegant and serpentine meanders in their course through the air. Often
they may be seen pitching on the large sycamore-trees, in the hollow
trunks of which, as also among the branches, they generally roost--
frequently forty and more together. Here they cling close to the side
of the tree, holding fast by claws and bill. No creatures can be more
sociable, and they may be observed scratching each other's heads and
necks, and always nestling closely together.
Their plumage is mostly green washed with blue, but the forehead is of a
reddish-orange--as are the shoulders, head, and wings, while the neck
and back of the head are of a bright golden yellow. The wing-coverts
are yellow tinged with green. The bird is about twenty-one inches long.
The female is much like the male. She makes her nest in the hollows of
trees.
The Carolina parrot exhibits great amiability of disposition, and is
easily tamed, becoming much attached to those who treat it kindly. It
also exhibits the most extraordinary affection for its own race. Wilson
the naturalist, having obtained one while on a journey to the Far West,
brought it home upwards of one thousand miles in his pocket. It quickly
learned to know its name, and would immediately come when called.
Procuring a cage, he placed the parrot under a piazza, where, by its
call, it soon attracted the passing flocks of its relatives. Numerous
parties frequently alighted on the trees immediately above, keeping up a
constant conversation with the prisoner. One of these was wounded and
captured. Poll evinced the greatest pleasure on meeting with this new
companion. She crept close up to it, chattering in a low tone of voice,
as if sympathising in its misfortune, scratching its head and neck with
her bill--at night, both nestling as closely as possible to each other,
sometimes Poll's head being thrust amongst the plumage of the other.
The stranger, however, died, and Poll appeared restless and inconsolable
for several days. On a looking-glass, however, being procured, the
instant she perceived her image all her former fondness seemed to
return, so that she could scarcely absent herself from it for a moment.
It was evident she was completely deceived. Often when evening drew on,
as also during the day, she laid her head close to that of the image in
the glass, and began to dose with great composure and satisfaction.
On another occasion several of these bir
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