108 COMMON BIRDS OF AN INDIAN GARDEN 



in character. As already remarked, they are not 

 quite so troublesomely pugnacious in captivity as 

 most of their relatives are, and, as they are very 

 readily kept in good condition, almost the only 

 fault that they have as cage-birds lies in the fact 

 that they very often disfigure the plumage of their 

 heads in their greedy attacks on pulpy fruits. In 

 spite of their comparative mildness, it is always 

 well to be cautious in introducing new specimens 

 into an aviary already containing a pair ; for, although 

 they may not do the fresh arrivals any serious harm, 

 the original tenants are very likely to be inclined 

 to bully them for a time. When on the war-path 

 they have a curious way of keeping their tails in 

 continuous up and down movement. 



Bronze- winged ground-doves, Chalcophaps indica, 

 are fairly common in well-wooded gardens, and their 

 deep-toned cooing may often be heard. They are, 

 however, so wary and timid that a casual observer 

 seldom notices them. A momentary view of one 

 may occasionally be had, as it darts in rapid, strong- 

 winged flight from one dense covert to another, but, 

 as a rule, it is only by dint of careful and patient 

 observation that there is a chance of seeing them 

 at close quarters and at their ease. It is, however, 

 a privilege well worth the time and patience it 

 costs, to see one of these beautiful birds stepping 

 rapidly along beneath a dense shrubbery, with the 

 straggling sunbeams playing over all the wonderful 



