ORESTED PIGEON. 'Ocyplw^s lophotes. 



BROXZEWIXG PIGEON. Phaps chalcdptera. 



heat of the day, but at sundown, on the contrary, it arrived with arrow-like swiftness, 

 either singly or in pairs. 



It did not descend at once to the edge of the pool, but dashed down to the ground at 

 about ten yards' distance, remained quiet for a short time, then walked leisurely to the 

 water, and after taking libations deep and frequent, winged its way to its roosting-place 

 for the night. With a knowledge, therefore, of the habits of this bird, the weary traveller 

 may always perceive when he is in the vicinity of water ; and however arid the appearance 

 of the country may be, if he observes the Bronzewing wending its way from all quarters 

 to a given point, he may be certain to procure a supply of food and water. When rain 

 has fallen in abundance, and the rivers and lagoons are filled not only to the brim, but 

 the water has spread over the surface of the surrounding country, the case is materially 

 altered ; then the Bronzewing and many other birds are not so easily procured, the 

 abundant supply of the element so requisite to their existence, rendering it no longer 

 necessary that they should brave every danger in procuring it." 



This Pigeon does not assemble in flocks, but in many parts of the country is so 

 plentiful and is so attached to certain localities that forty or fifty may be killed in a day 

 after the breeding season, when it is in best condition. It feeds almost invariably on the 

 ground, its diet consisting chiefly of leguminous seeds. The nest is a frail structure of 

 twigs, rather more hollowed than is usually the case with the houses of Pigeons, and is 

 placed on the low forking branch of a gum tree near water. The bird is presumed to 

 undergo a partial migration. 



