THE PIGEON 



Talpicoti. 



Nicobar Pigeon. 



Phasianella. 



The Phasianella is a beautiful species of Pigeon, found in Australia, the Philippine and Molucca islands, 

 and Java, where it inhabits the woods, feeding on pimento and various other aromatic berries. Its flesh 

 is dark colored, but of excellent flavor. The total length of this species is about sixteen inches. The 

 wings are. short ; the tail long and graduated. The upper plumage is deep reddish brown with bronze 

 reflections. The head, sides, and front of the neck, and whole of the under plumage, are orange-brown. 

 The hinder part of the neck changeable violet, purple, and brilliant gold. 



Legs reddish-brown. 



The Nicobar Pigeon is a splendid bird, found in Java, and the neighboring islands. Its plumage is very- 

 refulgent; the neck is ornamented with long, flowing, pointed feathers. The whole upper surface is 

 burnished with bronze and steel-blue reflections of glossy green ; the under surface is the same, but not 

 quite so brilliant; the tail, which is very short and square, is pure white. A fleshy tubercle rises on the 

 base of the upper mandible in the breeding season. Length about fourteen inches. 



The Talpicoti is a little Pigeon found in Brazil and Paraguay. It frequents the borders of woods, in 

 families of four or six, but never in large flocks; these perch on low bushes and underwood, at a little 

 distance from the ground, to which indeed they constantly resort; they are often to be seen near houses in 

 the country and farmyards, and, when captured, speedily become reconciled to the limits of an aviary, 

 and breed freely. Their nest is mostly placed in some bush ; never on the branches of tall trees. Berries 

 and grain constitute their food. Length six inches and a quarter. Top of head and back of neck grey ; 

 cheeks and throat pinkish white ; plumage above brownish orange, with black marks on some of the wing 

 coverts ; under plumage deep vivacious red ; tail brownish black. 



