Senegal Parrot (Ger., Mohrenkopf-Papagei, Orange-bauchiger Langflugelpapagei; Fr., Perroquet du Senegal, Perroquet a tete noire; Dut., Senegal Langvleugel Papegaai) - Description - Regarded as an Ornamental Bird - Examples of Talkers - Importation.

The pretty Senegal Parrot is one of the commonest birds in the trade, and arrives in great numbers every year. It is also one of those parrots which have been longest known, for, as early as the year 1455, it was mentioned by Aloysius Oada Mosto, and described, in 1760, by Brisson.

The old male is of a brownish-grey, inclining to black, on the head, cheeks, and upper part of the throat; on the hinder part of the back, the rump, and the upper tail coverts it is of a brilliant grass-green; the quills are of an olive-greenish-brown; wing coverts green, with a brown centre; the shoulder feathers and the small under coverts of the wings are yellow; the tail and all the upper parts of the body are light grass-green; the throat and upper part of the breast grass-green, the rest of the under part of the body being yellow; the breast and the belly are orange-colour, inclining to vermilion; the under coverts of the tail yellow; the beak is dark horn-grey, shading to black-brown; the cere is blackish; the eyes vary from sulphur-yellow to dark-brown; the eye cere is blackish-grey or black; the feet black-brown; the claws black. The female - head, a lighter brown-grey; the lower part of the body uniformly yellow (without any orange-red); the lower coverts of the tail yellowish-green; otherwise it corresponds to the male. Size, scarcely that of a jackdaw (length, l0 1/4in. to 11in.; wings, 5 5/8in. to 6 1/8in.; tail, 2 1/4in. to 2 5/8in.).

It is known to be a native of West Africa and Senegambia, but it probably exists in the far interior of Africa.

The Senegal Parrot is noticeable only as an ornamental bird for Zoological Gardens or special fanciers. The older writers assert unanimously that it has no talent for speech; but this has of late been several times refuted, cases being shown in which the Senegal Parrot has learnt to speak.

These descriptions proceed from the two gentlemen named in the last chapter and from Mr. A. E. Blaauw. The old bird of this species is exceedingly untameable and stupid; with wild screams it throws itself headlong from the perch when anyone approaches, presses itself into a corner, stupid and shy, and utters a peculiar rattling sound; the young birds are easily tamed and very affectionate. One of this kind was able to open any door, was fond of play, and extraordinarily droll, also gentle and good-tempered, allowed one to scratch its head or take it from the cage and pet it; it only learnt, however, to imitate a few words, but it could copy the voices of other birds. Mr. Blaauw, in Amsterdam, says that his Senegal Parrot spoke French prettily, very clearly, and with a soft voice. "It sounds very strange when it mixes up the words and sentences with its natural cries, and at the same time screams articulately."

Immediately after importation, at least in later times, this otherwise healthy and hardy bird becomes very weakly. It becomes ill then from every change of diet; also, as would appear, when given hemp seed abundantly. Therefore, it should at first only get canary seed and oats, and, later on, be accustomed by degrees to hemp and sunflower seed. It must always have the addition of good sweet fruit, but in small quantities.