88 On the White-fronted Ground-Dove.


each syllable littered with a sobbing separateness, and the last

prolonged with such a melancholy fall, as if the poor bird were

in the extremity of suffering. But it is the note of health, of joy,

of love; the utterance of exuberant animal happiness ; a

portion of that universal song wherewith ‘everything that hath

breath may praise the Dord.’ The plumage, as usual in this

family, is very soft and smooth, the expression of the countenance

most engagingly meek and gentle. .....


“ This is one of those species which habitually live on the

ground : in unfrequented woods, as well those which are open

as those which are choked with underwood, the Whitebelly

walks about singly or in pairs, picking up various seeds. About

Content, a densely wooded mountain side, it is very numerous in

June and July, feeding on sop-seeds, and many are taken in

springes. The physic-nut forms a large portion of its food, as

well as orange-pips ; and fragments of the large seeds of the

mango, chewed by hogs.


“ As it walks to and fro, it frequently flirts the head and

tail, but not so markedly as the Pea-Dove.* If flushed it betakes

itself to a low tree not far off, whence, if unmolested, it is soon

down again. Often when seen in the woods it runs a few yards,

and then rises to fly, but as if trusting less to its powers of

flight than to those of running, alights again immediately, and

runs swiftly off among the bushes.


“ The aspect and air of the Whitebelly are unlike those of

its kindred. Its round head, the prevalence of light hues, and

its height upon the legs, contribute to this peculiarity.

Essentially a Ground-Pigeon, its length of tarsus enables it to

run with ease and celerity; perhaps more rapidly than any other

of the family.


“ Unlike the Tree-Doves, the Whitebelly usually builds

in rather a low situation; often a logwood, a favourite

tree with this, and the Wliitewing.f If in the large woods,

one of moderate height is chosen. The nest consists of

a few loose sticks, with some leaves in the centre ; the eggs

are white.”



* Zenaida amabilis.



t Melopelia leucoptera .



