150 



JACOBINE PIGEON. 



Columba cucullata Jacobina.* WILL. 



PLATE XIV. 

 Pigeon Nonnain capucin, Monog. des. Pig. Domes, p. 135. 



THIS curious variety, which, as transmitting to its 

 posterity a form precisely similar, with all the pecu- 

 liar characters undiminished, comes under the desig- 

 nation, among* pigeon fanciers, of a pure or perma- 

 nent race, is distinguished by a remarkable ruff or 

 frill of raised feathers, which, commencing behind 

 the head, and proceeding down the neck and breast, 

 form a kind of hood, not unlike that worn by a 

 monk ; and from its resemblance to which it has ob- 

 tained its Gallic trivial name of Nonnain capucin. 



In size it is one of the smallest of the domestic 

 pigeons, but its form is light and elegant. The bill 

 is very short ; the eyes surrounded with a moderate 

 circle of naked red skin. The legs are unplumedL 

 The head, the wings, and the tail, are always white* 

 The usual colour of the hood is reddish-brown, with 

 iridescent tints. The mantle, the wing-coverts, and 

 the breast, are reddish-brown. It is also sometimes 

 seen with the mantle and wing-coverts of a very 



