450 BIRDS OP INDIA. 



narrow lilac band somewhat broader on the sides ; vent pale 

 yello^v ; under tail-coverts cinnamon colored, and the lower sur- 

 face of the tail blackish, tipped with greyish white. 



The female differs in wanting the blue and orange breast, in 

 the whole lower surface being brighter green, and in the lower 

 tail-coverts being mingled reddish ashy and bufFy white. 



Bill greenish glaucous ; legs pinkish red ; irides red, surrounded 

 by a blue circle. Length about 11 inches; extent 19^; wing 6, 

 or rather more ; tail 3| ; bill at front nearly |. 



This very beautiful Green Pigeon is spread throughout the 

 greater part of India and Ceylon, extending into Assam, and 

 Burmah, as low as I'enasserim, but not recorded from the N. W. 

 Provinces. I have seen it most abundant not far from the coast, 

 both on the East and West of India, but it is not rare in Lower 

 Bengal, though more common in Assam, Cachar, and the countries 

 to the Eastward. It is generally in very numerous flocks, 

 fifty and sixty or more, and flies with great rapidity. Layard found 

 it breeding in Ceylon iii May. The voice of the male is something 

 like that of Crocopus phoenicopterus, but softer and more hurried. 

 Blyth states that the young are often brought to the Calcutta 

 market about June ; that it has a less musical and less prolonged 

 note than the Hurrial, but equally melodious. 



The nearly allied species 0. vernans, is found in the Malayan 

 peninsula and islands, extending to New Guinea. It differs in 

 being smaller, in the lilac band being of much greater extent, 

 and in other points. 



The next three species are very closely allied. 



775. Osmotreron malabarica, Jeedon. 



in. Ind. Ornith., letter press to pi. 31 — Vinago aromatica, 

 Jerdon, Cat. 287 (in part), and V. affinis, Cat:. 288 (the female) 

 — Blyth, Cat. 1389 (in part) — Poda putsa gmoa, Tel. 



The Grey-fronted Green Pigeon. 

 Descr. — Male, forehead pale ashy, or whitish-grey ; mantle and 

 wing-coverts maronne ; the rest of the upper parts, with the lores, 



