The BETTET (_Palæornis pondicerianus_), together with other allied
species, is found throughout India and the neighbouring islands. In
size it resembles the Rose-ringed Parrakeet, but differs from it in
the markings of its more variegated plumage. Green is also here the
prevailing colour, but the delicate rose red that marks the neck of the
former is in this bird spread over the whole breast, and, in the male,
extends over the top of the head. The whole mantle is green, the sides of
the wings yellowish green, and here and there the feathers have more or
less broad yellow edges; the tail-feathers are blueish green above, on
the under side yellowish green; the belly is green, but much paler than
the back. The head and breast contrast splendidly with these leaf-like
tints; it is difficult to describe the mixture of colours they present;
we can only say that the head is of a blueish or greyish rose red, while
a narrow band on the forehead, and the marks on the cheeks, heighten
the effect of the bright and glowing tints on the neck. A line on the
forehead, which reaches to the eyes, and the streaks upon the neck, are
of a dull black; the breast is of a pale brick red; all the feathers
having narrow grey edges to their tips, as though suffused with a greyish
vapour. The beak is black, the feet greenish yellow, the eyes yellowish
grey. The two sexes are distinguished by the colour of the head, which in
the one has a reddish and in the other a greenish lustre. We have one of
these birds alive before us, but cannot say whether the red-headed is,
as we fancy, the male, or the female; the colours of both are equally
beautiful. Bernstein tells us that although this parrot is principally
seen in Java, its distribution is very unequal, for whereas in some parts
it is quite a common bird, in others it is not to be found without strict
search. It inhabits hot low-lying districts, or sometimes promontories to
the height of 4,000 feet, but never frequents mountains. It is always to
be met with in the coffee-plantations, where it soon betrays its presence
by its loud screaming voice, although it knows so well how to conceal
itself from observation amongst the foliage, that it is much oftener
heard than seen.
During the day Bettets fly in pairs or small parties through the
gardens or thickets in the neighbourhood, and towards evening assemble
upon their trysting-place--a large, thickly foliaged tree, or bamboo
plantation--where they pass the night together. "If you happen to know
such a tree," says Bernstein, "and place yourself near it towards
evening, you will see a very attractive exhibition. When the sun goes
down, the birds come gradually from all sides; as soon as the first has
arrived, it raises its voice joyfully and commences a performance in
which all new comers join, so that at last the concert increases to a
perfectly deafening noise, which only ends as the last ray of sunset
disappears. Then all go to roost, and are only disturbed when a solitary
bird, whose little sleeping-place is not comfortable, flies about to seek
another perch, or drive a companion from its place; should this happen,
the general annoyance is loudly expressed, and the disturber of their
repose soon settled with a few sharp pecks. With the first appearance of
daylight, the flock separates until the following evening, when all seek
the same tree or bush, and pass the night together as before."
During the breeding season these birds live in pairs, and the evening
assemblies do not take place. The nests are made in holes of trees, and
the strong beaks of the parrots are very useful in preparing them. We
only succeeded in finding one nest, and that was in a hollow in a Puda
tree some forty or fifty feet above the ground; it contained but one
pure white egg, but the ovary of the female showed plainly that there
were more eggs to lay. The Bettets we have seen in captivity were very
tame, and appeared mild and gentle in their demeanour; we learnt from
trustworthy sources that they may be easily taught to speak very fluently.
* * * * *
Among the Australian parrots the SUPERB PARROTS (_Polytelis_) remind us
most of those just described. The only two known species are moderately
large birds from fifteen to sixteen inches in length, slenderly formed,
but with tolerably strong beaks, the upper mandible reaching far over the
lower one.