130 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



plains. In the latter part of March and the beginning of April 

 they collect in large flocks, and live on the seed of the rice- 

 grass, which the natives also collect for food. During the 

 short period this harvest lasts the flavour of this Pigeon is 

 most dehcious, but at other times it is indifl'erent. It flies to 

 water at sunset, but, like the Bronze-wing, only wets the bill. 

 It is astonishing, indeed, that so small a quantity as a bare 

 mouthful should be sufficient to quench its thirst in the 

 burning deserts it inhabits. It left us in the beginning of 

 May, and I think migrated to the N.E., for the further we 

 went to the westward the fewer did we see of it." 



Gilbert observed this species in vast flocks on the plains in 

 latitude 19° S. 



Mr. Elsey only observed it on the Victoria in April and May. 



Mr. White, of Adelaide, informs me that he saw great 

 numbers of this species round Lake Hope in October and a 

 part of November; the birds were then travelling south- 

 ward in large flocks. 



Genus GEOPHAPS, Gould. 



The members of this genus are peculiar to Australia ; they 

 are more terrestrial in their habits than any other form of 

 Pigeons inhabiting that country ; incubate on the ground ; 

 inhabit the plains and open downs; have white pectoral 

 muscles ; and are excellent food for man. 



Sp. 465. GEOPHAPS SCRIPTA. 



Partridge Bronze-wing. 



Columba so'ipta, Temm. PI. Col. 187. 



inscripta, Wagl. Syst. Av., Columba, sp. 59. 



Peristera scripta, Swains. Class, of Birds, vol. ii. p. 349. 



Geophaps scripta, Gould, Birds of Australia, foL, vol. v. pi. 67. 

 This Pigeon has more than ordinary claims to the attention 



