334 BIRDS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. 



of the neck nearly to the nape. The sides are white, but 

 each feather has a broad spot of dark brown. The bill is 

 red, with a black point, the legs and feet carmine, and the 

 eyes reddish brown. 



The GouRA, or Crowned Pigeon is found in New 

 Guinea and adjacent parts, and is the giant of the pigeon 

 race, equalling a small turkey in size; the long, strong 

 legs and bold upstanding crest of upright feathery 

 plumes making it look larger even than it really is. 



The general colour is leaden blue, but the wing coverts 

 are dull purple and white ; with the latter colour the tail is 

 also tipped. These noble-looking birds are fairly hardy, 

 but apt to lose their toes if exposed to frost or cold wet 

 weather. If properly housed and fed (on any kind of 

 [)oultry mixture) they will breed in confinement ; but as 

 only one egg is laid, the multiplication of the species pro- 

 ceeds at a slow rate. However, as they command a high 

 price, the acquisition of a pair for £15 or £20 may well turn 

 out to be a not un])rofitable speculation. 



Needless to say, the}^ require a considerable range, but 

 under cover, or they would quickly fly away, for, notwith- 

 standing their size and weight, they have great powers of 

 flight, as they also have of swallowing, for a large walnut 

 will disappear down the gullet apparently without the 

 least exertion on the part of the bird. 



The Victoria Crowned Pigeon differs from the ordinary 

 ffoura in havinfr the ends of the crest feathers more 

 divided ; in all probability it is only a local variety of the 

 former. 



THE PHEASANTS. 



The Quails form the only representatives of the 

 pheasant family found in Australia, but they are fairly 



