CHALCOPHAPS INDICA. 717 



beyond the range of its food, the lovely bird will dart back to its old feeding-ground with the rapidity of 

 thought, often brushing the intruder's person with its wings, while following the tortuous narrow windings of 

 the native path." 



Mr. Davison writes : — " They are not in general shy, and will walk on in front of one for some considerable 

 distance if not closely pressed. They rise with a sharp flutter of the wings, and their flight is very rapid indeed. 

 When disturbed they generally fly some considerable distance before alighting, sometimes on the ground, more 

 generally on a tree at no great elevation from it. Their note is a low mournful one and can be heard from a 

 long distance. It sounds like the word ' oo ' very much prolonged and slowly uttered with a booming sound." 

 This note is more like that of an Owl than a Pigeon, and were it not heard during the daytime would 

 unmistakably be taken for that of a night-bird. 



Nidification. — In the Western Province I have shot the " Beetle- wing " in a state of breeding in June ; 

 but I have taken its eggs in the Kurunegala district in February, so that it probably breeds at no regular period 

 and very likely has more broods than one in the year. The nest I found was near Dyatura, built at the 

 extremity of the lateral branch of a small tree at about 6 feet from the ground. It was made of small 

 sticks, and slightly more cup-shaped than that of a true Dove (Turtur). It contained two eggs, regular ovals 

 in shape, and of a warm buff or cream-colour. They unfortunately got broken before I measured them ; but 

 Layard, who describes the eggs as yellowish-drab colour, gives their dimensions as 12 lines (PO inch) by 8J 

 (0 - 71 inch). There is probably an error in the latter dimension. Mr. Hume describes the nests as more 

 regular saucers than those of the Doves, composed of roots, grass, or twigs, but comparatively neat and devoid 

 of lining, with a decided central depression. It breeds in India from February till July. The eggs are said 

 by this gentleman to vary from creamy white to white, and to measure from TO to PI inch in length by from 

 0-82 to 0-86 inch in breadth. 



COLDMB^. 

 Fam. TKERONID.E. 



Bill with the gape very wide, in most short and thick, the tip strong and much vaulted. 

 Wings long, the primaries pointed. Tail moderately long, of 14 feathers. Tarsus short, reticu- 

 lated in front, feathered below the knee. Toes short and very broad, fitted for grasping. 



Of frugivorous habit ; entirely arboreal. 



Genus CAEPOPHAG-A. 



Bill rather long, flattened, the gape very wide, the corneous tip short; frontal feathers 

 advancing much on the base. Wings long and pointed, the 3rd quill the longest, and the 1st 

 rather short, slightly exceeding the 6th. Tail tolerably long and rounded. Tarsus short, very stout, 

 feathered for half its length, the bare portion shielded with broad scutes. Toes very stout and 

 broad at the base, lateral toes subequal. Claws very stout and curved. 



Of large size and brilliant metallic plumage on the back and wings. 



