Trichoglossus versicolor.

Trichoglossus versicolor, Lear's Parrots.

Nearly allied to the Trick, Swainsonii, in form and general aspect, another lovely species has lately been discovered in New Holland, which has received the appropriate specific name of versicolor, the colours of which the plumage is composed being greatly varied, and presenting to the eye an assemblage and contrast of brilliant tints, as exhibited in the ac companying engraving, and in still greater perfection in the full-sized figure contained in Mr Lear's splendid work on the Psittacidae. It appears to possess all the typical characters of the group; but we have no information respecting its peculiar habits in its wild or natural state.

From species possessing a richly-varied plumage, we now pass to others, where it is plainer, and of a more uniform tint, but which otherwise exhibit all the essential characters of the genus. In dimensions also they are generally inferior, and one of them, the Trich. pusillus, ranks among the pigmies of the Psittacean family. The species selected for representation is the Orange-Winged Lorikeet.

Plate 21. Trichoglossus Versicolor.

E. Lear del.

Varied Lorikeet.

Lizars sc.