Audubon and the Parrots

The multitudes which assemble upon the fields or fruit trees devour all they can on the spot, bite off still more and carry a few ears of corn up into the trees to fill their much craving stomachs. Like the monkeys, they waste a great deal more than they eat. Some prefer one kind of seed and some another, but all agree in spoiling everything that man sows or plants for his own use. After having satisfied their hunger in this manner, they go in search of water to drink, and according to Audubon and Schomburg, do not refuse salt or at any rate brackish water. The incubation of these birds takes place during the months that