SPECIES 3. COLUMBA PASSERINE. 



GROUND DOVE. 

 [Plate XL VI. Fig. 2, Male Fig. 3, Female.-] 



LINN. ?/s. 285. SLOAN. Jam. n. 305. Z,e Cocotzin t Fernandez, 

 24. BUFF, n, 559. PI. Enl 243. La petite Tourterelle, BRISS. 

 i, 113. TURT. Syst. 478.Columba minuta, Ibid. p. 479.* 

 .flrc*. Zool.p* 328, JVo. 191. CATESB. i, 26.t 



THIS is one of the least of the Pigeon tribe, whose timid 

 and innocent appearance forms a very striking contrast to the 

 ferocity of the Bird-killer of the same plate. Such as they are 

 in nature, such I have endeavoured faithfully to represent them. 

 I have heen the more particular with this minute species, as no 

 correct figure of it exists in any former work with which I am 

 acquainted. 



The Ground Dove is a native of North and South Carolina, 

 Georgia, the new state of Louisiana, Florida, and the islands of 

 the West Indies. In the latter it is frequently kept in cages; is 

 esteemed excellent for the table, and honoured by the French 

 planters with the name of Ortolan. They are numerous in the 

 sea islands on the coast of Carolina and Georgia; fly in flocks 

 or coveys of fifteen or twenty; seldom visit the woods, prefer- 

 ring open fields and plantations; are almost constantly on the 

 ground, and when disturbed fly to a short distance and again 

 alight. They have a frequent jetting motion with the tail; feed 

 on rice, various seeds and berries, particularly those of the 

 Tooth-ache tree,J under or near which, in the proper season, 

 they are almost sure to be found. Of their nest or manner of 

 breeding I am unable, at present, to give any account. 



* Prince Musignano considers* this synonyme is incorrect. 

 fCWuni&aPassemsa.LATH. Ind. Orn./>.611, JVb. 07. ('. minula.id.p. 612, JVb68, 

 J Xanthoxylum Clava Herculis. 



