GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



i6s 



The Bronze-winged Pigeon is very generally distributed in all parts of Australia ; in some it 

 would seem to be stationary, while in others it is said to be migratory. 



" It is," says Mr. Gould, " a plump, heavy bird, weighing when in good condition fully a pound, 

 and is constantly eaten by every class of persons resident in Australia. Its amazing powers of flight 

 enable it to pass in an incredibly short space of time over a great expanse of country, and just before 

 sunset it may be observed swiftly \vinging its way over the plains or do\vn the gullies to its drinking- 

 place. During the long drought of 1839-40, when I was encamped at the northern extremity of the 

 Brezi range, I had daily opportunities of observing the arrival of this bird to drink, the only water for 

 miles, as I was assured by the natives, being in the immediate vicinity of my tent, and that merely the 



THE liRONZE-WINGED PIGEON (P/wps chalcoptera). 



scanty supply left in a few small natural basins in the rocks, which had been filled by the rains of 

 many months before. This peculiar situation afforded me an excellent opportunity of observing not 

 only the Bronze-wing, but many other birds inhabiting the neighbourhood. Few if any of the true 

 insectivorous or fissirostral birds came to the water-holes, but on the other hand those species that live 

 upon grain and seeds, particularly the Parrakeets and Honey-eaters (TricJioglossi and Meliphagi), were 

 continually rushing down to the edges of the pools, utterly regardless of my presence, their thirst 

 entirely overcoming their sense of danger. Seldom if ever, however, did the Bronze-wing make its 

 appearance during the heat of the day, but at sundown it arrived with aiTow-like swiftness, either 

 singly or in pairs. It did not descend at once to the edge of the pool, but dashed down to the 

 ground at about ten yards distance, remained quiet for a short time, then walked leisurely to the 

 water, and after drinking, winged its way to its roosting-place. With a knowledge, therefore, of the 

 habits of this bird, the weary tra\'eUer may always know when he is in the vicinity of water ; and 

 however arid the appearance of the country may be, if lie observes the Bronze-wing wending its way 



