Psittacus Goffini, Fnsch.

Goffins Cockatoo (Ger., Goffins Kakadu oder Goffins Kakatu; Fr., Cacatois de Goffin; Dut., Goffins Kakketoe) - Description.

This cockatoo has a white forehead and white lores; the feathers of the crest are white, rose-coloured at the base and light yellow underneath; the quills are yellowish-white on the inner webs, and on the outer sulphur yellow; the tail yellow underneath; all the rest of the feathers white, with rose-coloured down on the head, throat, and breast; the beak whitish horn-grey; the cere and nostrils are covered with little white feathers; the eyes blackish-brown, dark brown, or cherry-coloured; a broad circle of bluish-white round the eyes; the feet blackish-grey, with black claws and scales. It is nearly the size of a crow (length, 12|in. to 13 1/8in.; wings, 9 5/8in. to 10§in.; tail, 4in. to 4 3/4in.). It resembles the Blood-stained Cockatoo, but is not red at the lores, it is also white round the beak, and is smaller. It is not yet known what region this species may claim as its habitat. Dr. Finsch described it, in 1863, from living specimens in the Zoological Gardens of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It is not one of the rarest species, but appears from time to time in the market, although singly. Dr. Platen imported three, and a short time ago Mr. Abrahams, wholesale dealer, of London, had a couple for sale which were said to speak English. Mr. Fiedler says it resembles the Leadbeater's Cockatoo in character, is gentle, quiet, and affectionate, so that a child might play with it, but its screeching, which continues for hours at a time, is unbearable.