148 



cassell's book of birds. 



tenanted by thousands of Blue Pigeons. These Pigeons are held in respect bj' most Hindoos, and 

 almost venerated by some, insomuch that if a pair build in the house of a native he considers it a 

 favourable omen." 



The CUCKOO PIGEONS {MacropygicB) constitute a group distinguishable by the slender 

 formation of their bodies, their small heads, long tails, and short wings and feet. These birds are all 





THE PASSENGER PIGEON {Ectopistes migratoiius). 



eminently social in their habits, and frequently keep together in large flocks. All subsist principally 

 upon fruit and seeds, and, in order to obtain these, constantly occupy woods and forests, from whence 

 they occasionally venture forth to seek for food in well-planted gardens and orchards. 



THE PASSENGER PIGEON, OR CAROLINA TURTLE-DOVE. 

 The Carolina Turtle-dove, or Passenger Pigeon {Ectopistes niigraforius), a large and 

 well-known member of the above group, inhabiting North America, is very powerfully built, and 

 has a long neck and small head. The medium-sized beak is slenderly formed, and the wing, in 

 which the second quill exceeds the rest in length, long and pointed ; the tail is long and graduated, 

 the tarsus strong, but shorter than the centre toe without its claw. The plumage of the mantle is 



