On some habits oj the Kokla in confinement. 165


NOTES ON SOME HABITS OF THE

KOKLA OR WEDGE-TAILED GREEN PIGEON


Sphenocercus sphenurus, (Vigors),


IN CONFINEMENT.


By Pelham T. L. Dodsworth, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.,


Member of the Bombay Natural History Society.


(Concluded from page 135E


When inspecting the nests of Green Pigeons, I have often

wondered whether the twigs composing them have been picked

off the ground or broken off from the branches. I am inclined to

think that it is the latter, as the ends of some of the twigs, which

I have minutely examined, showed unmistakable signs of having

been wrenched off. I have seen Koklas carrying sticks in their

mouths, but how they get them is another question. The point

is an interesting one, and well worthy of further observation.

But to return to the subject of my captive birds.


Spring had now come, and the Koklas, which were still

sharing their cage with the Doves, began to get unusually active.

The cock kept chasing the hen from perch to perch, and con¬

stantly uttered his melodious notes, which were now complete.

Major Magrath likens these to the syllables, “ Ko-Kla-KOi, Si, Si,

61, oiiyi.i, illto-Kla,” but Blyth’s description of them is, perhaps,

the best. He says “ the notes bear some resemblance to the

human voice in singing, and are highly musical in tone, being

considerably prolonged and modulated, but always terminating

abruptly, and every time the stave is repeated exactly as before,

so that it soon becomes wearisome to an European ear.” I may

add that both male and female utter the same notes and, while

singing, the tail is moved gently up and down, as if keeping time.


Remembering the old adage that ‘‘two is company,” and

hoping that under such a condition the Koklas might be induced

to form a matrimonial alliance, they were separated from the

Doves and put into another cage to the mutual advantage of both

couples, and shortly afterwards we witnessed the courtship of the

male bird. He would utter his notes, puff out his throat, expand

his tail feathers, spread out his wings, and hop from perch to perch

with bowed head, uttering a low “coo” the whole time. The lien



