THE BLUE-HEADED PIGEON. 



441 



Carolina Dove {Zenaiclura carolinensis), called also the Common Dove, or Mourning 

 Dove ; in Louisiana named Ortolan. This is the most familiar of all our native Pigeons. It 

 inhabits from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is migratory in the Northern States, reaching 

 New England about the first of April. In some parts of the country it seems to become par- 

 tially domesticated. It is rapid in flight, and produces a peculiar whistling sound by its 

 wings when flying. Its length is twelve inches and a fraction. 



The Scaly Dove (Scardqfella inca) inhabits the Rio Grande valley, Arizona, and Guate- 

 mala. There are only two species of this genus known. One inhabits South America. It 

 breeds at Cape St. Lucas, where its nests are found in low trees or shrubs. 



The Ground Dove (07iamcepelia passerina) is common on the South Atlantic and Gulf 

 coast ; rarely found as far north as Washington. It is found also in Lower California, and in 

 the West Indies, being confined to the sea-coast in every instance. Audubon describes this 

 bird as having a low, easy flight, accompanied with a whistling sound similar to that of the 

 other species. It naturally associates in groups of four or five, and shows an especial fondness 

 for alighting on fences ; yet it does not exhibit a dislike to visiting trees or low shrubbery. 

 The ground is its natural resort — almost as naturally so as for the grouse. In the vicinity of 

 Charleston, S. G, it is seen during the whole year. Its length is six and a quarter inches. 

 Its iris is a beautiful orange-red, and its bill yellow. 



BLUE-HEADED PIGEON.— UtanuJMits cycmocepluda. 



The Key West Pigeon {Geotrygon martinica.) This bird was first observed by Audu- 

 bon, who then considered Key West its only locality in the United States. It is common in 

 the West Indies, and migrates to Key West, as a little farther towards cooler climate, in the 

 spring or early summer. The habits of this bird are the same as of the Carolina Dove. It prefers 

 shady dark recesses of the forest, particularly in the vicinity of ponds overhung by shrubbery. 

 The length is about eleven inches ; its wing, six. 



Another species, called the Mountain Dove, is found in South America, which, with the 

 latter, comprise the genus. 



The Blue-headed Pigeon (Stamcenas cyanocephala) is another of the West Indian 

 species, which visits Key West, as the nearest point northward. Audubon found a few 



Vol. 11-50. 



