724 CEOCOPUS CHLOEIGASTEE. 



entirely frugivorous in diet. Captain Butler states that the berries of the Ficus indica appear to be its 

 favourite food. 



Nidification. — This Green Pigeon breeds throughout continental India from March till June, making, 

 according to Mr. Hume, a typical Dove's nest, and laying two white eggs. Mr. Blewitt, writing concerning 

 nests he found near Hansie, says that they " were placed on various trees,. mostly growing on the canal-bank, 

 at heights of from 14 to 18 feet from the ground. They were composed of Shishum, Zizyphm, and Keeker 

 twigs, in some cases slenderly and in others somewhat densely put together. One or two were absolutely 

 without lining; but they were mostly very scantily lined with leaves, feathers, or fine straw." This is 

 remarkable for a Pigeon's nest, as they usually have no lining at all, and other observers testify to there being 

 none in the case of this species. The birds sit very close, Messrs. Hume and Marshall both stating, with 

 regard to nests found by them at different times, that they pelted the bird without her flying away. The 

 eggs average in size " P25 by - 95 inch." 



Genus OSMOTEEEON. 



Bill more slender than in Crocopus. Gape wide. Wings with the quills less pointed, the 

 sinuation present in the 3rd primary ; the 2nd quill the longest, and the 1st exceeding the 4th. 

 Tail as in the last genus, of 14 feathers. 



Of small size. 



