205 



TAMBOURINE GROUND DOVE. 



Peristera tympanistria. 

 PLATE XXIII. 



Columba tympanistria, Temm. Pig. PL 36 Id. 8vo, i. 28. 

 Wagler^ Syst. Av. 1. sp. 102 La Tourterelle Tambou- 

 rette, Le Vaill. Ois. cTAfric. 6, p. 61. Columba tambou- 

 rette, Temm. Pig. 287. 



So called, from the loud cooing notes of the male, 

 which at a certain distance resemble the sound of a 

 tambourine. It is a native of South Africa, from 

 whence we have obtained specimens ; but it appears 

 by no means plentiful, as M. Le Vaillant informed 

 M. Temminck, that, for two hundred specimens of 

 another species, he could only obtain twenty seven 

 of this. In the rounded and concave form of the 

 wings, it agrees with the rest of the group, and the 

 first quill-feather is attenuated near the tip, as in 

 Peristera Jamaicensis, &c. The bill, however, does 

 not exhibit so distinct an emargination, and the sides 

 of the tarsi, though smooth, indicate an appearance 

 of minute scales. It is said to inhabit the woods, 

 but as no detailed circumstances relating to its ha- 

 bits are recorded, we are unable to judge whether 

 its economy is more in accordance with that of the 



