THE



Hvicultural /IftaGasine,


BEING THE JOURNAL OF THE


AVICULTURAL SOCIETY.



VOL. IV. — No. 39. All rights reserved. JANUARY, 1898.


THE BRONZE-WINGED PIGEON.


fPhaps chalcoptera) .

By D. Seth-Smith.


Of colours less startling than many of tlie feathered

inhabitants of the Australian groves, the members of the Pigeon

tribe, one and all, from the magnificent Crowned Pigeon to

the tiny Diamond Dove, are unsurpassed for quiet beauty of

plumage and gracefulness of shape and bearing.


In most parts of that Island-continent, so rich in feathered

gems, the Bronze- wing abounds, and is sometimes seen in large

numbers feeding on the stubble-fields ; or from a distance the

mournful love-note of the male is heard, as, with expanded

crop and bowed head, he flaps his jewelled wings to attradt the

attention of his mate.


During the dry season, we are told that numbers of

Bronze-wings may be observed, towards evening, winging their

way, with arrow-like flight, towards some distant pool. The

thirsty traveller notes the direction of their flight, knowing full

well that by careful observation of the habits of these birds he

may be able to find water to refresh himself and his steed.


In a wild state. Bronze-wings are said to nest from August

to December.


Selby tells us that " It breeds in holes or decayed stumps

of trees near the ground, and not unfrequently upon the surface

of the earth itself." This statement is evidently far from

correct, for in captivity the highest available position is always

chosen for a nest, which is built preferably in the open.


Of the foreign members of the Dove tribe, the Bronze-

wing is one of the best known, but is, nevertheless, by no means

frequently met with in living colledlions at home. Why this

should be is not clear, seeing that the species possesses so many

attractive qualities. It is easily tamed, quite hardy, very



