GROUND DOVE. 311 



be caught, however ; but calling my attention to the 

 circumstance, we began to peer among the fronds 

 of the tree, where we presently discerned the pro- 

 jecting ends of the twigs that constituted her nest, 

 the centre of her fears and anxieties. It was inac- 

 cessible, however, when discovered. 



GROUND DOVE. 



Chamoepelia passerina. 



Columba passerina, Linn. — Aud.pl. 182. 



CliumcBpelia passerina^ Sw. 



Though it would be scarcely proper to term this 

 little bird gregarious, it is certainly social, being 

 rarely seen alone. In pairs or small companies of 

 three or four, it frequents pastures, on the short 

 turf of which it runs with considerable speed ; and 

 is rather loath to take wing, often allowing a person 

 to approach within a few yards. If one fly, how- 

 ever, all fly ; but seldom go far ; alighting either 

 on the ground again, or on some neighbouring tree 

 of small elevation. As it runs along, the tail is 

 usually erected, which gives it the aspect of a 

 miniature fowl. 



I have found the craw full of small seeds of 



* Length 6^ inches, expanse 10^, flexure 3-i, tail 2^^, rictus ■^, tarsus 

 ^§, middle toe ^. Irides lake-pink ; feet pale flesh colour ; beak orange, 

 black at the tip ; eyelids yellow. 



