327 



CHESTNUT-SHOULDERED PIGEON. 



Columba spadicea. LATH. 

 PLATE IX. 



Columba spadicea, Lath. Ind. Ornith. Supp. p. 9, Sp. 7. 

 Columba geant, Temm. Pig. et Gall ed. 8vo, p. 94. 



IT is not without a question of doubt we place 

 this large and beautiful species in the present divi- 

 sion, for although it presents characters in some of 

 its members approaching those of the Pigeons, it 

 cannot be denied, that, in its general appearance, and 

 the metallic lustre of its plumage, it also shews evi- 

 dent marks of a near affinity to several species of 

 the genus Carpophaga, and it might perhaps with 

 equal propriety be placed at the extremity of that 

 group. It is a native of the Friendly and other 

 islands of the Pacific, and has been accurately de- 

 scribed by Latham and Temminck, so far as re- 

 gards its plumage ; of its peculiar habits and mode of 

 life, we have little information, a deficiency the more 

 to be regretted, as, from a minute and correct detail 

 of these, we should have been better able to judge 

 of its proper position in relation to other species, 

 Temminck makes mention of one peculiarity not no- 



