Birds of the Indian Hills 



to dense forest ; it is said to be fond of the 

 wild nutmeg. 



The Nilgiri wood-pigeon {Alsocomus elphis- 

 tonii) is another forest-haunting bird. Its pre- 

 vailing hue is dove grey, with a beautiful gloss 

 on the back, which appears lilac in some lights 

 and green in others. The only other orna- 

 ment in its plumage is a black-and-white 

 shepherd's plaid tippet. The wood-pigeon is 

 as large as the imperial pigeon. Of the doves, 

 that which is most often seen on the Nilgiris is 

 the spotted dove (Turtur suratensis). This is 

 easily distinguished from the other members 

 of the family by its reddish wings spotted with 

 dark brown and pale buff. The only other 

 dove likely to be seen at the Nilgiri hill stations 

 is the little brown dove (T. cambayensis), which 

 utters a five-or-six-syllabled coo. 



THE PHASIANID.E OR PHEASANT FAMILY 



This important family includes the pea- and 

 the jungle-fowl and the various pheasants. 



The peacock is not found at altitudes above 

 4000 feet. 



Jungle-fowl are abundant on the Nilgiris. 



He who keeps his eyes open may occasionally 



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