The EAGLE COCKATOO (_Dasyptilus Pequetii_) belongs to the same division
as the last-named species, and is remarkable for its shape and plumage,
reminding us, in some respects, of the birds of prey. Nothing positive
can be said as to its native land; Gould tells us that it lives on the
island of Formosa, where no other parrots are known, but it would rather
appear to be an inhabitant of New Guinea or Salawatti; indeed, Rosenberg
speaks decidedly as to the first-named island being its home. The Eagle
Cockatoo is about twenty inches long, ten of which are included in the
tail; the wings are ten and a half inches in length. This species is
recognised by its beak, the upper portion of which does not rise so high
above the lower mandible as in the Nestor; and by the plumage of the
head, consisting of a few stiff bristles and slender upright feathers,
with very stiff hard shafts. The cheeks and cheek-stripes appear almost
bare, the wings and tail are shaped like those of the last-mentioned
bird, though the tail is somewhat longer and more rounded. The plumage
is of a brilliant black, shading into grey on the throat, head, and
breast, the feathers on these parts being sprinkled with pale brown. The
wing-covers along the carpus, the first wing-covers of the secondary
quills, the under wing-covers, the five first feathers of the secondary
quills on their outer web, the feathers of the axilla, belly, and rump,
are of a beautiful scarlet, which is somewhat darker on the under
tail-covers; the upper tail-covers are edged with dark red, the beak is
black, and the feet dark brown. Notwithstanding the extreme rarity of
this creature, we have been able to take our description from a living
bird which was for some time in the Earl of Derby's celebrated collection.
* * * * *
In New Guinea and the neighbouring islands, viz., Salawatti, Misool,
and Waigui, we find several kinds of parrots that are included among
the Cockatoos, although their resemblance to these birds is merely
superficial. These are the LONG-BILLED PARROTS (_Microglossus_) of Le
Vaillant--very large birds of a dark colour. Their resemblance to the
Cockatoos consists principally in their short square tail, and the plume
upon the head, although the latter is of quite a different shape to that
of the true Cockatoo. Their naked cheeks, and enormous upper mandible,
remind us of the Araras. The shape of the tongue is quite peculiar; this
organ is of medium length, fleshy, but no broader than it is thick, the
upper surface is hollow and flattened at the tip; this strangely-shaped
tongue can be protruded, and employed as a spoon to convey food into the
mouth, the edges being very flexible, and capable of being bent towards
each other. The other distinguishing characteristics of the Long-billed
Parrots are the naked tarsi (which are bare as far as the heel-joints)
and the short flat soles of the feet.