NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK HOLLISTEE 329 



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 great, plump wonga- 

 wonga (Leucosarcia picata) of Australia, curiously marked with 

 white forehead and pectoral bands; the European wood pigeon 

 (Columbia palumbus) ; the handsome bronze-wing (Phaps chalcop- 

 tera) ; and the green doves (Chalcophaps) of India and New Guinea. 



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 Oeopelia known as the peaceful and zebra doves, and the 

 little ground doves (Chaemepelia) and Inca doves (Scardafella) of 

 the southern United States and tropical America. 



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. 



The New Guinea fruit pigeon (Ptilopus superbus) and the Mar- 

 quesas Island dove (Gallicolwriba rubescens) are among the rarer 

 species on exhibition. The latter was first made known in 1814, 

 but was never rediscovered until 1922. 



The gigantic crowned pigeons, or gouras, are the most spectacular 

 of all the group. They are found only in New Guinea and on some 

 of the neighboring islands, and are from 25 to nearly 34 inches in 

 length. They are beautifully colored and are further ornamented 

 by large fan-shaped crests. The species on exhibition, the Victoria 

 croAvned pigeon (Goura victoria), inhabits the islands of Jobi and 

 Mysori. 



CUCKOOS AND PARROTS 



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 col- 

 lection, but the parrots and their kindred usually form not a small 

 proportion of any exhibition/ and certain species are almost as 

 familiar to the average person as is the common canary. 



Over 500 species of parrots and their allies are recognized and 

 these are distributed throughout the tropical countries of both the 

 Old World and America. Parrots are not confined to the Tropics, 

 however, since Australia and New Zealand support many species, 



