Amongst the different species of parrots with which Australia is enriched
the COCKATOOS (_Plyctolophus_) take high rank. The members of this group
are distinguished by their compact body, short tail, and wings of middle
size; their large, short, broad beak toothed at the margin, the upper
mandible of which terminates in a strong hook. The tongue is usually
fleshy and smooth, the region of the eye bare, and the head decked
with an upright tuft of bright and beautiful feathers. The plumage is
generally very striking, either by reason of its pure white or delicate
rose colour, or (for a parrot) the unusually dark tints that predominate.
Cockatoos are found not only in Australia, but in the Moluccas, New
Guinea, and the Philippine Islands, where most kinds establish themselves
in enormous flocks in the woods, and fly from thence over the fields
and plains, presenting an appearance that is enchantingly beautiful.
"Perched under the shadow of the dark foliage," says Mitchell, "their
bright wings and glowing crests transform the heights upon which they
live into regions of the most exquisite beauty." In their habits and mode
of life Cockatoos resemble other parrots, and must be reckoned among
the most pleasing of the whole race. It is quite true that when living
together in large flocks their cries frequently become a deafening noise
intolerable to ordinary ears, but a solitary bird is very engaging;
indeed, there is something so extremely tender in the tone in which it
utters the word "cockatoo" (whence is derived the name), that it attracts
us involuntarily, for the cry of "cockatoo" is always intended to express
a kindly feeling, and changes when angry into a most fearful shriek. The
Cockatoo soon learns to make friends with mankind, plays fewer tricks
than other parrots, appears grateful for any kindness that is shown to
it, and seems eager to make a fitting return; unkindness alone makes
it ill-tempered or mischievous, and its excellent memory enables it to
avenge an injury after the lapse of years. Its disposition in general
is mild and gentle, and its good qualities numerous. It learns to speak
with tolerable ease and fluency, forming the words into phrases, as
though it understood them, and applies whole sentences at a fitting
opportunity. In their wild state, Cockatoos assemble in large flocks,
which remain more or less united even during the breeding season; they
pass the night buried in the leafy shelter of the trees, and at break of
day make the woods resound with their noisy screams as they rise into
the air with light strokes of the wing, hovering and gliding till they
reach a field yielding suitable food. Fruit, corn, and seeds constitute
their principal nourishment, and they will also devour buds and bulbs,
obtaining the latter very dextrously by the help of their long beaks.
Every fresh occurrence in their daily life is greeted with loud cries;
and should a second flock pass over the place where they have settled,
their combined shrieks are perfectly appalling, and can only be imagined
by those who have heard the yells a few captive cockatoos are capable
of producing. As soon as hunger is appeased these flocks retire to rest
beneath the shelter of the branches, where they remain some hours in
comparative quiet; they then again go in search of a meal, returning
to pass the night on their accustomed trees. Thus they live till the
breeding season, when they pair, and each couple sets out to find a
suitable home, preferring holes in trees, but also resorting to fissures
in the rocks. Certain precipices near the South Australian rivers are
yearly visited by thousands of Cockatoos, just as the cliffs of the north
seas are infested by huge flocks of sea-gulls. We are told that some of
these rocks are completely honeycombed by them, and the strength and
firmness of their beaks renders this assertion easily credible. They
lay two white, pointed eggs, about the size of those of a bantam fowl;
but in what manner incubation is carried on we are not aware. We are
told by travellers that they soon become timid if they suspect danger,
and, like other kinds of parrots, carry on their depredations with so
much cunning that it is very difficult, or indeed impossible, to drive
them from the fields. The natives hunt them in a very peculiar manner.
"Perhaps," says Captain Grey, "it would be impossible to imagine a more
exciting spectacle than that of seeing the Australians hunt the Cockatoo.
They employ for this purpose a very remarkable weapon called a boomerang;
this is a sickle-shaped flat instrument made of wood, which can be thrown
by the hand to a distance of 100 feet, and flies in small circles with
many windings from the direct path. An Australian will follow a flock
either into the fields or woods, preferring, however, places where large
trees are situated near water, such spots as these being the favourite
resort of the Cockatoos. Here they are to be found in innumerable hosts,
climbing on the branches or flying from tree to tree; here they also
sleep, and here the wily native comes, most watchfully observing all
necessary precautions. He goes from one tree to another, and creeps from
bush to bush, taking the greatest care not to disturb the wary birds, but
in vain, for, however quiet his movements may be, he is soon discovered,
and his near approach greeted with a hideous cry. The birds have already
perceived that danger is at hand, though they do not know what the next
step may be. At length their pursuer reaches the water, and discloses
his dark form to their view; amidst piercing shrieks the white cloud of
birds rises into the air, and at the same instant the Australian throws
his weapon amongst them. The boomerang, which is thrown with great force,
dances and springs in the most wonderful manner over the water, and then,
rising higher and higher in its wayward flight, is soon careering in
the midst of the frightened multitude. A second, a third, and a fourth
weapon is discharged; in vain the terrified creatures try to escape,
the apparently aimless course of the missile bewilders them and delays
their flight. One after the other is struck by the boomerang, and comes
to the ground, having probably either lost its head or broken its wing;
they fall screaming with pain and terror, and it is only when the dusky
hunter has attained his end that the remainder of the terrified flock
hide themselves in the foliage of the trees." The flesh of the Cockatoo
is tolerably good, and the soup made from it excellent. The number of
these birds that find a home with us prove that they are easily captured,
and, like all other parrots, they will live a long time if nourished with
simple food.