(791) Macropyeta rusaLia, Bar-tailed Tree-dove, or Cuckoo- 
dove as it is also called owing to its shape and structure. Its pecu- 
liar racket-like tail, which is typical of Cuckoos is noticeable and nar- 
row cross rays on the tail feathers found in some of the Cucwli. 
These tree-doves prefer thick forests. When they occasionally come 
into Darjeeling, they keep much to the taller clumps of trees in 
preference to more open country. This bird taking into considera- 
tion its general structure and its habits, could safely be placed 
among the doves, though in appearance, it is large and looks more 
like a wood-pigeon. This tree-dove, like all its family has no song 
but a gentle cooing, which is indulged in when resting. It is often 
seen feeding on hot bitter berries of the trees known as Nepal pepper 
which hill folk are so fond of grinding up into conserve to eat with 
their meals. Bar-tailed Dove is slender in appearance. It has a 
long broad graduated tail, which is conspicuously barred, a sort of 
rufous and ashy white. Twsalia is about 164 inches ; wing expanse 
22 inches ; bill black with a little lake colour; orbits red ; orbitar 
skin bright and pale in colour ; irides brown enclosed by a_ pink 
circle ; legs dull reddish. 
Sup-Famity TURTURINZE (Doves) 
Are a group of birds, well known to all, owing to their tame and 
social habits. Their delicacy of nature and build convey to us, 
many a quiet lesson of gentleness, artlessly displayed and devoid of 
timidity. These birds feed on the land, chiefly on hard grains. 
They are generally, solitary in their habits, occasionally seen in 
small parties. 
GENUs TURTUR, Turtle doves, are more, commonly known on ac- 
count of their typical call. They are found in the following 
groups :— 
(i)—Auriti .... Ruddy Turtle-Doves. 
(ii)—Maculicolles .... Neck-laced (broad gorget) 
Turtle-Doves. 
(iii) —Tigrini ... Spotted Turtle-Doves. 
(iv)—Streptopelece ... Ringed Turtle-Doves (half-collar). 
The first four species (792—795) might be placed, as birds found 
in the district at one time or another ; but they frequent lower 
