380 . THE BIRDS OF MONGOLIA ETC. 



188. CoLUMBA LEUCONOTA, Vig. Golul Mospeemey. 



Gould_, Century of Birds,, pi. lix. 



This Himalayan species was found by us in the Kan-su mountains, 

 where it inhabits solely the alpine regions, at a height of from 10,000 to 

 13,000 feet, and even there only the most unapproachable and desolate rocks, 

 which it leaves in the morning m search of food on the alpine meadows ; 

 and at such times we have seen them near some Tangut villages. It very 

 carefully avoids woods, and never sits on trees. 



They keep, as a rule, in pairs ; but small flocks of from five to fifteen have 

 been noticed by us in spring and autumn. Each pair separately, or two 

 or even three together, choose a large unapproachable rock for nesting, 

 where they build, in cracks. During the pairing the male pays a great deal 

 of attention to the female, occasionally flying up and clapping its wings like 

 our common Pigeon ; and having described a circle, it again sits down close to 

 its mate. This lasts from the end of April until the middle of June. 



Its flight is strong and straight ; and when flying a peculiar whistling 

 noise is produced by the quills. 



Contrary to C, rupestris^ the present species is extremely shy ; and it 

 appears to change this disposition only in the neighbourhood of Tangut 

 villages. 



It is not very common in Kan-su ; and I do not know if it leaves this 

 locaUty for the winter, as we had no occasion to be there during the cold 

 season. But in the latter part of April, when we arrived at Kan-su, these 

 Pigeons were already pairing in the mornings, and were met with in small 

 flocks, most probably as they arrived from migration. 



The Kan-su mountains form its northern boundary. 



Measurements : — 



Lengtli. Width. Wing. Tail. Tarsus. Gape. 





m. 



in. 



in. 



in. 



in. 



in. 



6. . 



. 14 



27 



9-8 



5-35 



108 



0-96 



?. . 



. 13-5 



26 



9-6 



5-4 



11 



0-9fi 



