NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK — HOLLISTEB, 583 



rived from Labrador. He is everybody's pet, but on account of his 

 quarrelsome disposition he can not be placed in inclosures with any 

 but the larger birds. During the summer season Billy lives in the 

 pelican pond, and although he lords it over the white pelicans, 

 storks, and swans, he is unable to do them serious damage. 



PIGEONS. 



Numerous species of doves and pigeons are kept in the larger cages 

 of the bird house. These include representatives of the group from 

 many parts of the world, and form a very attractive exhibit. The 

 soft colors and beautiful forms of the various species, as well as their 

 pleasing notes, make them great favorites with all. Among the 

 larger and more showy forms are the snow pigeon (Coluvnba leu- 

 conota) of the mountains of central Asia, which has the neck, lower 

 back, and breast white; the band-tailed pigeon (Chloroenas fascmta) 

 of western North America, frequently confused with the probably ex- 

 tinct passenger pigeon but which may be recognized from that bird by 

 its short, even tail; and the great, plump wonga-wonga {Leitcosarcia 

 picata) of Australia, curiously marked with white forehead and pec- 

 toral bands. 



Opposed to these larger species are some groups of small doves, 

 found in both the Old World and in the warmer parts of America 

 which are particularly noticeable on account of their diminutive size. 

 These include the Australian and East Indian members of the genus 

 Geopelia known as the peaceful and zebra doves, and the little ground 

 doves (Chaemepelia) and Inca doves (JS car da fella) of the southern 

 United States and tropical America. 



An interesting American dove, called the blue-headed quail dove 

 (Starncenas cyanocepJmla) , is a handsome species confined to the 

 Florida Keys and Cuba, where it is said to be rapidly decreasing in 

 numbers. It has a large black throat patch, extending down to the 

 upper breast and bordered by whitish, a white stripe under the eye, 

 and a rich blue crown. Its habits are said to be decidedly quail-like 

 and it is known to the Cubans by the name of "Perdiz." 



The Australian crested pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes) has a long 

 black crest which it frequently erects, at the same time elevating the 

 tail until the two almost meet. 



CUCKOOS AND TARROTS. 



The cuckoos and plantain eaters and the great tribe of parrots, 

 macaws, and cockatoos form the order Cuculiformes. The first 

 group is poorly represented in the average zoological park collec- 

 tion but the parrots and their kindred usually form not a small pro- 

 portion of any exhibition, and certain species are almost as familiar 

 to the average person as is the common canary. 



