200 



FERRUGINOUS GROUND DOVE. 



Chcemepelia Talpicoti SWAINSON. 

 PLATE XXII. 



Columba Talpicoti, Temm. Pig. 8vo. 1. p. 121 Wagler, 



Syst. Av. sp. 86. Colombe-Galline Talpicoti, Temm. 



THIS diminutive species, which only measures 

 about six inches and a quarter in length, is pretty 

 widely distributed throughout Brazil, Paraguay, and 

 other districts of South America. It lives in the 

 open grounds, but generally near to the confines of 

 woods, as it roosts and breeds upon the lower bushes 

 or underwood, but never upon the larger trees, or 

 far from the ground. It is generally observed in 

 pairs, sometimes in families of four or six, but never 

 associated in large flocks. It appears to be of a 

 tame disposition, as it is seen constantly about the 

 confines of the houses or in the farm- yards, and 

 readily admits of a near approach. Wagler observes, 

 that, in Europe, it is easily kept and propagated in 

 the aviary. It is active upon the ground, and feeds 

 upon the smaller cerealia, berries, &c. 



The following is the description of the adult male. 

 Forehead, crown, and nape of neck, ash-gray. Cheeks 



