THE BAi^D-TAILED PIGEON. 127 



may be bitter and unfit to be eaten by man, though quite acceptable to 

 these birds. 



In southern Arizona, at least, it would appear that the breeding season of 

 the Band-tailed Pigeon covered nearly every month in the year, and several 

 broods must be reared by each pair during the season. In Oregon and Wash- 

 ington two broods are probably the asual number. 



In Arizona the nests of this species seem to be always placed in trees, 

 while in Oregon, according to Prof 0. B. Johnson, they breed occasionally on 

 the ground. This statement is confirmed by Dr. Cooper, who says: "In June 

 they lay two white eggs, about the size of those of the House Pigeon, on the 

 ground, near streams or openings, and without constructing any nests." ^ 



In southern Arizona, according to the observations of several well-known 

 and reliable collectors, but a single egg is laid at a sitting, and, as far as I am 

 aware, at no time have two been found. Their cooing resembles that of the 

 domestic Pigeon, and the young are fed in a similar manner. Incubation lasts 

 from eighteen to twenty days, both sexes assisting. The young grow rapidly, 

 and are able to leave the nest when about a month old. 



The egg of the Band-tailed Pigeon is large for the size of the bird, and is 

 somewhat peculiar in shape. This may be called a pointed elliptical ovate. All 

 the eggs I have seen show this feature. They are pure white in color, the shell 

 is close grained, smooth, and slightly glossy. 



The average measurement of thirteen specimens is 40 by 28 millimetres; 

 The largest of these eggs measuring 43.5 by 30, the smallest 38 by 27 milli- 

 metres. 



The type specimen (No. 23240, U. S. National Museum collection, PL 3, 

 Fig. 17) was obtained by Lieut. H. C. Benson, U. S. Army, near Fort Hua- 

 chuca, Arizona, on September 25, 1885. 



43. Columba fasciata vioscae Brewstee. 



viosca's pigeon. 



Columba fasciata vioscm Brewster, Aiik, v, 1888, 86. 



(B — C — R — C — IT 312a.) 



Geographical range: Lower California. 



According to Mr. Brewstei', this newly-described subspecies differs from 

 the Band-tailed Pigeon in being a trifle smaller; the tail band is wanting, or 

 only faintly indicated; the ground coloring lighter and more uniform; the 

 vinaceous tints, especially on the head, neck, and breast, much fainter and more 

 or less replaced by bluish ash. It has been named after Mr. Viosca, the U. S. 

 consul at La Paz, Lower California. 



Little is known regarding the habits of this bird, which are probably very 

 similar to those of the preceding subspecies. 



1 Birds of North America, Vol. iii, p. 363. 



