<hw>Pardalotus</hw>, <i>n</i>. scientific name for a genus of Australian birds, called <i>Diamond birds</i> (q.v.), and also <i>Pardalotes</i> (q.v.), from Grk. <i>pardalowtos</i>, spotted like the pard.
<hw>Parera</hw>, <i>n</i>. Maori name for the genus <i>Duck</i> (q.v.).
1855. Rev. R. Taylor, `Te Ika a Maui,' p. 407:
"Family, <i>Anatida</i>—Parera, turuki (<i>Anas superciliosa</i>), the duck; very similar to the wild duck of England."
<hw>Parra</hw>, <i>n</i>. a popular use for the fuller scientific name <i>Parra gallinacea</i>. Called also the <i>Jacana</i> (q.v.), and the <i>Lotus-bird</i> (q.v.).
1893. `The Argus,' March 25, p. 4, col. 6:
"The egg of the comb-crested parra shines amongst its neighbours so vividly that it at once catches the eye, and suggests a polished agate rather than an egg. The bird itself is something of a gem, too, when seen skipping with its long water-walking claws over the floating leaves of pink and blue water-lilies."
<hw>Parrakeet</hw>, <i>n</i>. (various spellings). From French. Originally from Spanish <i>periquito</i>, dim. of sp. <i>perico</i>, a little parrot. Hence used generally in English to signify any small parrot. The Australian species are—
Alexandra Parrakeet—
<i>Spathopterus (Polytelis) alexandra</i>, Gould.
Beautiful P.—
<i>Psephotus pulcherrimus</i>, Gould.