858 Drafts for a Fauna Indica. [No. 168. 



Of the third great genus of fruit-eating pigeons, Ptilinopus, also 

 largely developed in the eastern Archipelago and Polynesian Isles, no 

 Indian species has been discovered ; the Pt. Elphinstonii of Sykes 

 (seemingly) appertaining to the same group of ordinary pigeons as the 

 British Cushat or Ring-dove. 



Sub-fam. GouRiNiE, Ground Pigeons. 



The great series of ground pigeons and ground doves, presents a 

 marked gradation in form and character, from genera allied (excepting in 

 the form of the feet) to the Carpophagce and Ptilinopodes of the preced- 

 ing sub- family, to others which exhibit a nearer relationship to the spe- 

 cies of the next sub- family. The size also varies remarkably, as both 

 the largest and smallest pigeons known, are comprised in this group ; 

 some attaining the magnitude of a hen-turkey, while others are 

 scarcely bigger than a sparrow. These birds are of a shorter, more 

 full, and grouse-like figure, than that of other pigeons, having the wings 

 more or less rounded, and even bowed or hollowed in some instances ; 

 the tarsi comparatively elongated, and the toes long and adapted for 

 ground habits. Some even much resemble partridges in their mode of 

 life : but even these, for the most part, prefer the cover of low brush- 

 wood (as do also many partridges), the haunts of different species vary- 

 ing ; and other genera are completely sylvan in their abode, feeding on 

 the ground, more especially on fallen fruits and berries. Such are the 

 magnificent Gouras, or great crowned pigeons (Goura coronata and G. 

 Stoursii,) of the Moluccas and New Guinea, which in their plumage 

 and colouring approximate Treron cantillans and Carpophaga insignis ; 

 and the elegant hackled ground pigeons (Catenas), one of which (C. 

 nicobaricusj abounds in the forests of the Malay peninsula, and in the 

 Nicobar, Andaman, and Cocos Isles, thus almost verging on the eastern 

 boundary of the territory whose fauna we here treat of. The general 

 resemblance of this bird to Ptilinopus is striking in the living specimens 

 of both ; and from what I have observed of it in confinement, I have 

 great reason to doubt the current statement that it ever lays more than 

 two eggs, the number so usual in the pigeon family : indeed, I think 

 there is present reason to be sceptical of the statements that any pigeon 

 lays more than that number ; though it is certain that several of the 

 Gourinm are clad with down at an early age, and follow their parents 



