WHITEBELLY. 315 



tent, a densely wooded mountain side, it is very 

 numerous in June and July, feeding on sop-seeds, 

 and many are taken in springes. The physic-nut 

 forms a large portion of its food ; as well as orange- 

 pips ; and fragments of the large seeds of the mango, 

 chewed by hogs. Its flesh is generally esteemed ; 

 it is white, juicy, and well-flavoured, without being 

 liable to bitterness. 



As it walks to and fro, it frequently flirts the 

 head and tail, but not so markedly as the Pea-dove. 

 If flushed, it betakes itself to a low tree not far 

 off, whence, if unmolested, it is soon down again. 

 Often when seen in the woods, it runs a few yards, 

 and then rises to fly, but as if trusting less to its 

 powers of flight than to those of running, alights 

 again immediately, and runs swiftly off among the 

 bushes. It has no regular roosting-place, often 

 spending the night on a stone, or a log, or a low 

 bush that happens to be near the spot where it was 

 feeding at nightfall. This is not the case with the 

 other Doves. 



The aspect and air of the Whitebelly are unlike 

 those of its kindred. Its round head, the prevalence 

 of light hues, and its height upon the legs, contri- 

 bute to this peculiarity. Essentially a ground- 

 pigeon, its length of tarsus enables it to run with 

 ease and celerity ; perhaps more rapidly than any 

 other of the family. 



Unlike the tree-doves, the Whitebelly usually 

 builds in rather a low situation ; often a logwood, a 

 favourite tree with this, and the Whitewing. If in 

 the large woods, one of moderate height is chosen. 



p 2 



