

< Biif^ 



THE TURTLE DOVE. 



COLVMBA TURTVR. LiNN. 



It seems to be now generally acknowledged that the 

 Pigeons form part of the Rasorial or Gallinaceous 

 Order, which they evidently connect by a direct series 

 of affinities with the Perchers. They have been sub- 

 divided by Le Vaillant and Temminck into three distinct 

 groups, dependent on differences in the size and strength 

 of their bills and the proportional length of their legs ; 

 Mr. Swainson has added a fourth, characterized by the 

 continuation of the plumage of the legs along the tarsi 

 as far as the toes ; and M. Vieillot a fifth, consisting 

 for the present of a single species remarkable for its 

 large size and the crest upon its head. The whole 

 family, however, appears to require an accurate revi- 

 sion, with a view to a still more extensive subdivision 

 of its numerous species. 



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