The PURPLE-CAPPED LORY, or LORIKEET (_Lorius domicella_), the largest
and best known of these birds, is a really magnificent creature, about
twelve inches long and twenty inches across the wings. The plumage is of
brilliant scarlet, deep purple on the top of the head, the back of the
head violet, the upper wing-covers green, the legs sky-blue; over the
breast runs a crescent-shaped yellow line; the tail-feathers are scarlet
at the root, striped with black towards the top, and dotted with yellow
at the tips; the beak is orange-coloured, and the feet dark grey.
The Purple-Capped Lory lives in parties in the woods, which it never
quits; its movements are lively, and its flight very rapid. It would seem
that these birds do not subsist entirely upon the nectar from plants, as
they may be reared without any particular care upon bread soaked in milk,
or any kind of parrot food, and will live for years upon this diet.
We learn from the sailors who bring them to Europe that they are
frequently offered for sale in India, but die in great numbers when in
confinement.