88 NATURAL HISTORY OF 



are obliged to migrate to warmer latitudes during 

 the severity of winter, when the ground becomes 

 congealed by frost, or covered with snow. 



In no tribe of the feathered race do we meet with 

 a plumage better adapted to gratify and delight the 

 eye, than that of the pigeons or family of the Co- 

 lumbidae ; for among the numerous species of which 

 it is composed, there exists a diversity as well as a 

 brilliancy of effect, that cannot be contemplated with- 

 out admiration. In some, the plumage shines with 

 a dazzling and metallic gloss, varying in tint with 

 every motion of the bird, and which vies in lustre 

 with that of the diminutive and sparkling humming- 

 bird. Such is that of the Carpophaga eenea, Ocea- 

 nica, and many other species. In other genera, as 

 Vinago and Ptilinopus, the plumage is admirably as- 

 simi'ated to the arboreal habits of the birds, con- 

 sisting of delicate shades of yellows and vivid greens, 

 just sufficiently contrasted with smaller masses of 

 richer or more resplendent hues to produce the hap- 

 piest effect. In the typical groups again, a modest 

 yet chaste assortment of colours generally prevails, 

 and which, though less striking at first sight, never 

 fails to give permanent satisfaction to the eye. As 

 the species approach the true Rasorial tribes, the 

 colours become more uniform in tint, but still, in 

 certain lights, are encircled by glossy reflections, 

 which especially prevail upon the region of the neck 

 arid breast. 



In texture the plumage is generally close and ad- 



