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THE ANIMALS OF NEW GUINEA 



freycineti) as a well-known Moluccan species. Among the pigeon tribe the so- 

 called pheasant-doves, of which Otidiphqps nobilis is a typical example, take their 

 name from the somewhat pheasant-like appearance produced by their chestnut- 

 coloured backs and wings. The members of this genus, which are characterised 

 by the possession of twenty tail-feathers, are common to New Guinea and 

 Fergusson Island. Far more striking birds are the beautiful blue crowned 



WESTERN' CROWNED PIGEON. 



pigeons, the largest of all the Columbse, which are represented by some half- 

 dozen species ranging over Papua and the neighbouring islands. As well-known 

 members of this fine group mention may be made of the Victorian crowned pigeon 

 (Goura victoria), of Jobi and Mysori, of G. beccarii of central and northern New 

 Guinea, and of G. coronata of western New Guinea, Waigiou, and several of the 

 other islands. The last-named species, which was discovered in 1699, is bluish slate- 

 coloured, with darker wings, some black on the chin and the sides of the head, a 



