MACROPYGIA PHASIANELLA. 



(Large-tailed Pigeon.) 



Ceowjst and occiput, rich deep chestnut brown ; back and wings, umber brown ; wing coverts, broadly margined with deep reddish chestnut ; 

 upper tail coverts, brownish chestnut ; tail, brown, except the three outermost feathers on each side, which are bulEsh chestnut at the tips 

 and bases, and have a broad black band in the middle; primaries and secondaries, blackish brown, very narrowly edged with chestnut; throat, 

 whitish, each feather edged with huffish brown ; chest and sides of the neck, reddish buff, mingled or barred with blackish brown ; abdomen, 

 bright rufous, slightly or indistinctly barred with blackish brown ; under tail coverts and under surface of tail, huffish chestnut, becoming 

 greyish near the tips of the longer feathers — the three outer feathers are barred with grey ; flanks, deep rufous ; irides, blue, surrounded by a 

 scarlet ring ; bill, deep olive brown ; feet, light crimson. The sexes are alike. 



Length, I7i inches ; wing, 7|- ; tail, 9 ; bill, 1 ; tarsus, |. 



This bird, so different in form from the others of its family inhabiting Australia, is seldom seen beyond the outskirts of the 

 dense scrubs which are so frequent on the banks of the eastern waters. It is to be found from Twofold Bay, on the south, to the Mary Eiver, 

 on the north. Its food consists of berries and seeds, most of which are procured upon the ground after having fallen from the trees. It may 

 be occasionally seen in gardens when the same are situated near to its favorite residence, the scrub, and evinces a liking to fruits of a 

 cultivated description. Its note is not very unlike the Bronze-wing Pigeon, but is more mournful and monotonous. The flesh is dark, but of 

 good flavor. 



