Ornithology of the Egyptian Soudan. 359 



17G. CoLUMBA GUINEA Lillll. 



a. ? . Gedaref, May 25, 1901. 



The Maroon-backed Rock-Pigeon is common in the 

 rocky gorges of the Upper Atbara, from which it ranges into 

 the surrounding district. I have shot it at Gedarcf and 

 Gallabat, and have seen it also at Tewfikia on the White 

 Nile, where I noticed it feeding about the town almost as 

 tamely as a domestic Pigeon. 



177. Turtur communis (Selby). 



The Turtle-Dove is abundant in the winter and spring. 



178. Turtur decipiens Finsch & Hartl. 

 17!). Turtur roseigriseus (Sundev.). 



These are quite the commonest Doves in the Soudan. 

 T. decipiens, however, seems to keep more to the vicinity of 

 rivers than T. roseigriseus. The latter bird I found in 

 thousands round the wells of Bara, in Kordof'au, where the 

 former seemed to be entirely absent. I have taken eggs of 

 T. decipiens on the White Nile in November. 



180. Turtur senegalensis (Linn.). 



The Senegal Turtle-Dove is tolerably common, but 

 nothing like so numerous as the two preceding species. 



181. Chalcophaps afra (Linn.). 



This pretty Dove is not uncommon on both the Niles 

 and their tributaries. I have never seen it in flocks or 

 at any distance from the rivers. The bird reminds me 

 of Chalcophaps indica in its flight and gait when on the 

 ground. 



182. (En a capensis (Linn.). 



a. S- Khartoum, Feb. 22, 1903. 



The Long-tailed Dove is common throughout the Soudan 

 wherever there are trees or bushes. Considerable numbers 

 come into Khartoum in February, to breed in the gardens, 

 but disappear again after rearing their young. The nest 

 is a small, slight platform of sticks ; the eggs are ivory- 

 coloured, like tho^e of Chalcophaps indica. I have taken 

 them in March, April, and May. 



