THE GAME BIEDS AND WILD FOWL 



Family COLUMBID^.— The Typical Pigeons. 



The birds comprising this division of the order may be distinguished by their 

 somewhat short metatarsus — in most cases less than the middle toe in length — and 

 by the number of their tail feathers, which is twelve. In this group the soles of the 

 feet are of moderate breadth, and the skin on the side of the hind toe only is 

 exceptionally expanded. Count Salvadori, somewhat needlessly, we consider, has 

 divided the present family into no less than three subfamilies, one of them 

 containing but a single species, the Passenger Pigeon. 



Genus COLUMBA, or Grey, Pigeons. 



Type, COLUMBA ^NAS. 



Columba, of Linnaeus (1766).- — The birds comprising the present genus are 

 characterised by their prevailing slate-grey plumage, glossed chiefly on the head, 

 neck, and breast with metallic hues. The wings are long, broad, and rather 

 pointed, the first primary considerably longer than the sixth; the tail, which is 

 shorter (or not longer) than the wing, is composed of twelve feathers, nearly even. 

 The metatarsus is short, scutellated in front, reticulated behind, and feathered 

 on the upper portion, but never more than for half its length. The bill is 

 moderately stout, straight at the base, and compressed. There are three toes 

 in front, cleft to the base ; one toe behind. 



This genus is composed of about sixty more or less defined species, which are 

 inhabitants of the Palsearctic, Ethiopian, Oriental, Nearctic and Neotropical 

 regions. Three species are resident in the British Islands. 



The Grey Pigeons are dwellers on rock-bound coasts, inland precipices, groves, 

 and forests. They are birds of sustained and rapid flight, and progress on the 

 ground by running and walking. Their notes are full and soft, but possess little 

 sweetness or variety. They subsist chiefly upon grain and vegetable substances. 

 Their nests are slight platforms of twigs, placed on rocks or trees ; and their eggs, 

 never more than two, are white or creamy- white, and oval. These birds pair for 

 life, and are remarkably prolific. Their flesh is highly and justly esteemed for 

 the table. 



