2I5 2 



PIGEONS AND SAND GROUSE 



quently assembles in very large flocks; and when it visits the lagoons or river sides 

 for water, during the dry seasons, generally selects a single tree, or even a particu- 

 lar branch, on which to congregate before descending simultaneously to drink. Its 

 flight is more rapid than that of any member of the group to which it belongs; and 

 impetus being acquired by a few quick flaps of the wings, it goes skimming off ap- 

 parently without any further movement of the pinions. Upon alighting on a branch, 

 it elevates its tail and throws back its head, so as to bring them nearly together, at 

 the same time erecting its crest, and showing itself off to advantage." 



Nicobar 

 Pigeon 



NICOBAR PIGEONS. 



(One-fourth natural size.) 



The beautiful Nicobar pigeon (Catenas nicobarica) has a wide range, 

 inhabiting not only the islands from which it takes its name, but ex- 

 tending through the Mergui and Malay Archipelagos to the Solomon 

 islands. Together with a smaller species of an indigo-blue color from the Pelew is- 

 lands, the Nicobar pigeon represents not only its genus, but likewise a special sub- 

 family ( Calcsnadince} , distinguished from the preceding groups by the elongated and 

 narrow feathers of the neck, which resemble the hackles of a game cock. The 

 general color of the plumage is metallic green with copper-colored reflections, 

 the under parts are less brightly colored, the head, neck, and upper breast being 

 nearly black, while the quills are also much the same color, and the short tail 

 and its coverts are pure white. The bill and the knob at -the base are black, and 

 the legs and feet dark purple. In one of the Nicobar islands, Davison says 

 that the birds swarm by thousands, and in the early morning may be seen flying 



