INTRODUCTION

Parrots, and other Psittacine Birds, have been kept as pets for centuries; since the days of ancient Rome, Greece and other civilizations before them. The African Grey Parrot was the best known in Europe during those times, and was brought in by the merchant galleys. In India and China, which had older civiliza­tions, the Alexandrine and other Asiatic Par-rakeets were kept by the natives. Back in South America, the Incas and other Indian nations kept Macaws and the var­ious species of Amazon Parrots.

The most recent and most beautifully colored Psittacine Birds known to man are the Parrakeets and Cockatoos of the Australian Continent, of which 59 species are known to science. Australian Birds were introduced in Europe only about 200 years ago. Some of these Parrakeets are now rare and in danger of extinction due to the encroachment of civ­ilization.

During this time the Lories, Lorikeets, and new species of Cockatoos, Parrots, and Parrakeets were discovered in many South Pacific Islands. Many of these are extremely local species and deserve man's full protection. Some Psitta-cines are now extinct within the space of only a few hundred years. Some rare species are being bred in good numbers by English aviculturists who deserve much credit. The best method of preventing the extinction of birds would be to encourage aviculturists to breed and sell them. In their na­tive habitat government protection should be given, with a specified number permitted to be trapped and sold to bird breeders and fanciers each year. Between this natural and artificial breeding, a species' continued existence would be assured. Another aid would be artificial insemination of birds, which has been practiced with success by scientists on small birds like the Canary and the Pigeon, as well as on Finches.*

Drawing, showing the main points in the structure of a bird.   This glossary can be applied to all birds except Oil usual specimens like ostriches, penguins, etc.

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