240 



THE PHASIANELLA. 



THE PHASIANELLA. 



This beautifa] 

 species is found 

 in Australia, Java, 

 and the Phillipine 

 and Molucca 

 islands. It is an 

 inhabitant of the 

 woods, and its food 

 is said to consist 

 of a kind of Pi- 

 mento and of 

 other aromatic 

 berries, swallowed 

 entire. The flesh 

 is dark, but its 

 flavor is stated to 

 be excellent. Its 

 length is from 

 fourteen to sixteen 

 inches, the tail 

 being seven and 

 rather more. 



Their habits 

 and mode of life 

 are also nearly 

 allied to the other 

 arboreal species, 

 being the constant 

 inhabitants of the 

 woods, and subsisting upon the fruits and berries of various trees and 

 shrubs. M. Temminck, in his description of these species, says that it 

 possesses a structure and form precisely similar to that of the Columha 

 migratoria of North America. To this we cannot subscribe, seeing 

 that its "essential characters, as above described, are different, and that 

 the only point of resemblance consists in the length of the tail. In- 

 deed, so far removed do we think it from the American group, that 

 we cannot consider it as its analogue in the Asiatic regions where 

 It resides. 



The prevaling color of these Pigeons is bluish-gray, of various 

 intensities and shades, frequently embellished upon the neck with 

 feathers having a metallic lustre and pecular form, and which exhibit 

 various tints of color according to the light in which they are viewed. 

 They are naturally birds of a wild and timid disposition (though one 

 species has been partly reclaimed), and usually live congregated 

 in extensive flocks, except during the season of reproduction, when 

 they pair. Most of the species seek their food upon the ground. 



THE PHASIAN'ELLA. 



