Plate Number: I 10

Psitticus Paradisi ex Cuba: The Parrot of Paradise of Cuba

Is somewhat less than the common African gray Parrot: the Bill white, the Eyes red: the upper-part of the Head, Neck, Back and Wings, of a bright yellow, except the Quill-feathers of the Wing, which are white: the Neck and Breast scarlet; below which is a wide space of yellow; the remainder of the under-part of the Body scarlet; half way of the under-part of the Tail, next the Rump, red, the rest yellow. All the yellow, particularly the Back and Rump, have the ends of the feathers tinged with red: the Feet and Claws white. The figure of this Bird has the disadvantage of all the rest, it being painted only from the Case: for as all different Birds have gestures peculiar to them, it is requisite they should be drawn from the living Birds, otherwise it is impracticable to give them their natural air; which method, except in a few Birds, has been prais'd through the whole Collection. It was shot by an Indian, on the Island Cuba; and being only disabled from flying, he carried it to the Governour of the Havana, who presented it to a Gentlewoman of Carolina, with whom it liv'd some Years, much admir'd for its uncommonness and beauty.