PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 



2.] Toes divided to their origin, 



21. OrmsTHOcoMUs. Head with a crest of feathers. 

 Hind-toe perfect. Phasianus cristatus. 



22. ORTYGIS. Destitute of a crest or hind-toe. Tetrao 

 andalusicus. 



b. Bill swollen at the base, nearly straight, and subulate 

 towards the extremity. This includes the genus Columba 

 of LINNJEUS. The eggs are limited to two each hatching ; 

 but many broods are produced in a season. They drink, 

 not by sipping, and then holding up their heads, as other 

 birds, but by a continued draught. The toes are divided 

 to their origin. Twelve tail feathers. No spurs. 



Jlead ornamented. 



23. VEBRULIA. Head covered with a warty skin, like 

 some of the gallinaceous genera. Columba carunculata. 



24. Goura. Head with a crest of feathers. Cofomba 

 coronata. 



Head plain. 



25. COLUMBA. Pigeon. Bill flexible*. . 



26. VINAGO. Bill solid, compressed. 



The numerous species of columbine birds, will probably 

 constitute many more genera, when their forms and struc- 

 ture are subjected to a more minute examination. 



B. Nostrils exposed, or hid only by feathers. 



AjCCIPITRES. 



Bill and claws strong and hooked. These are rapacious 

 animals. The feet are formed for seizing the prey, being 



* The observations of HUNTEK. warrant the conclusion, that the crop of 

 the pigeon becomes periodically glandular, at the period of hatching the eggs, 

 and secretes a curdy matter, with which the young, at their birth, are 

 nourished Ob. An. Ecp., 191. 



