76 THE PIGEON. 



THE PASSENGER PIGEON, 



How large is the Passenger Pigeon ? 



The Passenger Pigeon is sixteen inches long, arid 

 two feet in extent, with its wings spread, 



What is the shape of this bird? 



In shape, this bird is uncommonly elegant. Through 

 the breast it is plump, and full ; the neck is moderate- 

 ly long, and the head quite small ; the upper mandible 

 is a little curved at the end ; the legs are short, and 

 feathered to the knee ; and the tail is nearly as long as 

 the body. 



What is the colour of this Pigeon ? 



In the beautiful shades of colour, few birds exceed 

 this. The bill is black ; the eyes red ; the head and 

 upper part of the neck, fine slate blue ; the breast and 

 throat orange red ; the upper part of the neck, and 

 down the back, changeable green, purple, and goldf; 

 the under part, pale orange, fading into white ; quill 

 feathers dark, and feet and legs, red. 



Where is this bird found ? 



The Passenger Pigeon is found in almost every part 

 of North America. This bird is generally known un- 

 der the name] of Wild Pigeon, and there is hardly a 

 person in our country who has not seen it, either in 

 the air, at the market, or on the table. 



The greatest peculiarity concerning these birds, is 

 their habit of assembling together in such vast multi- 

 tudes, as to render the accounts of them beyond all be- 

 lief, were they not confirmed by the best authority. 



They pass from one part of the country to another 

 in immense flocks, and hence the name, Passenger 

 Figeon. 



