Mr. H. E, Dresser on the Birds of Southern Texas. 23 



existence is represented in the accompanying figure (Plate I.), 

 copied from a drawing of a living bird made by myself last 

 summer. But the whole body soon becomes covered with a 

 snow-white garment^ over which the true plumage gradually 

 extends, and in the course of between two and three months it 

 IS able to fly. For a considerable time after this period, how- 

 ever, small detached masses of down may be seen protruding 

 through the feathers, more especially those of the head and 

 neck. The plumage from this stage on to maturity is so well 

 known that I need not occupy more valuable space in the de- 

 scription of it, and I therefore bring these remarks to a close. 



II. — Notes on the Birds of Southern Texas. 

 By H. E. Dresser. 



[Concluded from 'The Ibis' for 1865, page 495.] 



CoLUMBA FLAViROSTRis, Wagler. Red-billed Dove. 



Common near Matamoras, breeding there. During the au- 

 tumn, quantities of these birds, the two next species, and Orta- 

 lida maccalli are brought to the market for sale. One I picked 

 out of such a lot, on the 9th August, 18G4, agrees with APCalFs 

 description of Columba solitaria, excepting that the neck and 

 breast have reddish, instead of bluish metallic reflexions. I 

 examined many at the market, but could find none difi"ering 

 from my specimen, except in size, and none answering more 

 nearly to that description. At Brownsville this bird is not 

 uncommon, but is found only a short distance towards the 

 interior of Texas, and I noticed none higher up the Rio Grande 

 than Roma. 



A Mexican who shot Doves for the market told me that he 

 had found this species breeding near the town of Matamoras, 

 and that it builds a nest somewhat similar to that of Zenaidura 

 carolinensis, and lays two eggs somewhat larger than those of 

 that bird. 



Bill coral-red at base and for rather more than two-thirds of 

 its length, the tip being whitish ; iris bright orange ; the bare 

 space round the eye and legs coral-red. Stomach containing a 

 sort of blueberry. Length 13 inches ; expanse of wings 23 inches. 



