v COLUMBAE 327 
of two, the regular number in Birds. The after-shaft is rudi- 
mentary or absent, the adults have no down, the young are hatched 
blind and naked, and remain for a long time in the nest. The 
plumage is commonly dull blue or brown, with an iridescent sheen; 
but remarkably brilhant purple, red, yellow, and green hues mani- 
fest themselves in forms such as Ptilopus, Chrysoenas, and Caloenas 
from the islands of the Eastern Seas, the headquarters of the 
Family. Though smaller, the female usually resembles the male ; 
but Zurturoena, Oena, and Peristera are examples of diversity, while 
immature examples are duller than adults. | Goura approaches the 
size of a goose, whereas Columbigallina is little larger than a 
sparrow. Of domestic Pigeons the Rock-Dove is undoubtedly 
the origin, but the breeds are now infinite in their variety.’ 
Omitting the abnormal Didine Birds, the habits of the 
members of this group are fairly uniform, the majority of them 
inhabiting wooded country ; while even those like Phaps, Lopho- 
phaps, and Geophaps, which occupy the arid plains of Australia, 
are to be found at times where vegetation is plentiful; and in all 
cases the proximity of water seems indispensable. Fruit-Pigeons 
frequent trees, and the most typical Columbine forms are found in 
woods or among rocks, though the smaller Doves naturally prefer 
the lower bushes. _Wood-Pigeons towards winter, and Passenger- 
Pigeons when nesting—not to mention other instances—gather in 
large flocks ; in some cases, however, the parties only number about 
half a dozen, and more solitary habits are by no means uncommon. 
The flight is strong, rapid, and direct, though the Ground-Pigeons 
remain a comparatively short time upon the wing, and some species 
prefer to run unless forced to rise, Oena being an especially good 
walker. The well-known “ homing” powers of trained birds, the 
curious backward somersaults of the Tumbler, and the sudden rise 
and clap of the wings so noticeable in the Wood-Pigeon when 
courting, merit a passing mention. Every member of the Family 
perches, and many delight to bask in the sun. The note is always 
of the nature of a coo, but is especially loud and deep in MMyris- 
ticivora, Megaloprepia, and some members of Carpophaga, guttural 
in Haplopelia, mournful in Peristera. and Zenaidura, harsh and 
trumpet-like in Goura ; the voice of the Turtle-Dove suggests a 
purr, while Zympanistria and Starnoenas possess powers of ven- 
1 See Darwin, Zhe Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication, i. 
London, 1868, pp. 131-224; Tegetmeier, Pigeons, their Structure, etc. London: 1867. 
