GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



l6l 



THE SPECKLED OR WEDGE-TAILED TURTLE DOVE. 



The Speckled or Wedge-tailed Turtle Dove {Stidopeleia cuneata) belongs to a group of 

 birds inhabiting the continent of New Holland, distinguishable from the Pigeons above described 

 by their superior length of tail, in which the five outer pairs of feathers are progressively shortened, and 

 by their spotted plumage. The head, throat, and breast are grey ; the back and shoulders cinnamon- 

 brown ; the feathers on the wing-covers deep grey, and those on the shoulders decorated with two 

 white spots, surrounded by a black line ; the belly and feathers on the lower wing-covers are white ; 



THE STRIPED SPARROW-HAWK PIGEON {Gsopdda striata). 



the quills brown, with a reddish inner web ; the four centre tail-feathers are grey, with black 

 extremities ; the rest greenish black at the root and pure white at the tip. The eye is bright red, the 

 bare circle round the eye pale scarlet or greenish yellow ; the beak deep olive-brown, and the foot 

 reddish brown, or yellowish. The female is smaller than her mate, and of a more decided brown on 

 the head, throat, and back ; the spots on her wing are also fewer, and less clearly defined. The 

 length of this bird is seven inches and three-quarters, the wing measures three inches and a half, and 

 the tail four inches and one-third. 



" All that we read or imagine of the softness and innocence of the Dove," says Captain Sturt, 



" is realised in this beautiful and delicate little bird. It is common on the Murra)', and in various 



parts of the interior of Australia. Two remained with us at the depot in latitude 39" 40', 



longitude 142°, during a greater part of the winter, and on one occasion roosted on my tent-ropes, 



VOL. III. — 100 



