PIGEONS. 



255 



pigeons. Tbe first primary of tiic hinis nf this gonus is distinguislied by possessing a 

 deep notcli in llie inner web. 



We now come to Trcron^ iiielmling tbe green-pigeons. This is a well-marked 

 division, containing a goodly number of species, of plnni]) form, clothed in a green 

 plumage varied with ash and maroon, with considerable yellow on the wings, and 

 orange hues on lower part of body. The genus h;is been divided into many genera 



PlO. 122. — AlecUiiiui^ /.«„ U, niina. 



or snb-genera, but it will be quite sufficient to consider sucli species as sh.all be noticed 

 under the geinis above given. These birds go in flocks, and are stated to be contin- 

 ually climbing about the branches, wdien searching for fruits, like squirrels, and the 

 strong muscles of the legs enable them to hang over and seize a fruit and then recover 

 their jiosition Avithout difficulty. They arc good for food, but Inive a tough skin 

 They are found in India and Malasi.a, Africa, .Japan, Madagascar, China, etc. We 

 h.avc only sjiace to notice one or two. 7\ phunicojitcrus yilaced sometimes in a genus 

 Crocopus), is found over all Bengal and upper India, eastward into Assam. It breeds 



