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THE NICOBAR GROUND PIGEON. 



Geophilus Nicobaricus. 

 PLATE XXIX. 



Columba Nicobarica, Lath. Ind. Ornith. ii. p. 605. sp. 44. 

 Columba Gallus, Wdgler, Syst. Av. sp. 113. Colombe- 

 Galline a Camail, Temm. Pig. p. 5. t. ii. Id, 8vo,p. 385. 

 Nicobar Pigeon, Edw. t. 339. female. Lath. Syn. iv. 

 p. 642, 38. 



IN richness and splendour of plumage, this inte- 

 resting species yields to none of the Columbidse, 

 though it may not be able to compete in elegance of 

 form, or gracefulness of carriage, with others belong- 

 ing to the typical groups. Its heavy and rounded 

 body, its pendant tail, and concave wings, evidently 

 shew its situation to be among the species which 

 lead immediately to the typical Rasores, and this. af- 

 finity is still further strengthened and confirmed by 

 its habits, which closely resemble those of the species 

 we have lately been describing. Its habitual resi- 

 dence is upon the ground, where it runs with great 

 celerity, and it is only during night, or the hours of 

 repose, that it perches upon the lower branches and 

 limbs of trees.* It makes its nest upon the ground, 



* Mr Bennet asserts, in his description of the splendid 



