RASOllES. 109 



mainland. In all probability it enjoys an extensive range 

 over the islands of New Guinea. The specimens procured 

 by Mr. Bynoe were fortunately male and female : the latter 

 sex exhibits in its plumage traces of immaturity ; but whether 

 the rich colouring of the crown of the head is at all times 

 absent is a point yet to be ascertained, a knowledge of which 

 would greatly tend to clear up the confusion which reigns 

 throughout this gorgeously-coloured group of Pigeons. 



The specific term superbus is a most appropriate designation 

 for this charming little Pigeon, which must be seen in its native 

 wilds before a just conception can be formed of its beauty ; for 

 the hues of no other feathered creature can surpass those of 

 newly moulted individuals of this bird. 



The male has the crown of the head of a very deep rich 

 purple ; sides of the head and occiput olive-green ; sides and 

 back of the neck bright rufous ; shoulders very dark bluish 

 black ; all the upper surface and wings deep yellowish green, 

 tinged with rufous ; the scapularies and tertiaries with a spot 

 of deep green near the extremity ; primaries and secondaries 

 black, slightly margined externally near the tip with pale 

 yellow ; tail grey at the base, to which succeeds a broad band 

 of black, glossed particularly on the central feathers with 

 green ; beyond this the tips are white, all but the outer ones 

 washed with green ; chin white ; breast grey, below which a 

 baud of black; abdomen and under tail-coverts white, the 

 latter with a stripe of olive down the centre ; band crossing 

 the flanks and another crossing the thighs olive-green ; feet 

 orange ; bill dark horn-colour. 



The female has the crown of the head and all the upper 

 surface yellowish green, with a small spot of deep blue near 

 the tips of the scapularies ; primaries and secondaries black, 

 slightly edged with yellow ; at the occiput a large patch of 

 deep green ; chin grey ; centre of breast greenish grey ; 

 flanks green ; centre of abdomen straw-yellow. 



