If 'J MALAYAN OENITHOLOGY, 



the Settlements. It is easily tamed, and a common cage-bird 

 among the Malays. 



It appears to be almost identical with the Chinese Spotted Dove 

 (T. chi?iensis), which swarms throughout South China. I shot 

 several on the mainland near Hongkong ; and the only difference I 

 could see between them and the Malay race was that they were 

 slightly larger, and had the under tail-coverts aslx-grey instead of 

 white. 



A male of the Chinese species, which I shot on the Kowloon 

 Hills, near Hongkong, on 1st June, was 12| inches in length, irides 

 dark brown, surrounded by an orange ring, legs dull scarlet. 



Geopelia striata (Linn.). The Barred Ground-Dove. 



This miniature Turtle Dove seems to be rather uncommon in the 

 wild, unfrequented parts of the peninsula, apparently preferring 

 inhabited and cultivated districts. 



In Singapore it is common on the low, swampy ground, being 

 particularly pentiful among the Chinamen's gardens in the Mount- 

 Echo, Cluny, and other well-watered valleys in the neighbourhood 

 of Tanglin, where it probably breeds — not that I ever found a 

 nest, but have shot the birds at all seasons. As a rule they keep 

 in pairs, never associating in flocks ; at least such is my experience 



Throughout the Straits Settlements the Sand-Dove, as it is 

 called locally, is much in request among the natives as a cage- 

 bird, being easily tamed. I cannot say how r it got its name of 

 Sand-Dove, unless on account of its grey plumage, my Malay syce 

 had one which, on his approaching its cage, expressed its deligth 

 most demonstratively, fluttering its wings and cooing loudly, 

 while a stranger made it wild with fear. 



Chalcopuaps indica (Linn.). The Bronze-winged Dove. 



Apparently identical with the Indian bird. It is distributed 

 throughout the west of the peninsula. I found it fairly plentiful 

 in Perak, and while stationed there kept several in my aviary, 

 where they throve on rice and Indian corn, in a short time becoming 

 very tame. 



On account of their beautiful plumage and the ease with which 

 they are tamed, they are in considerable request as cage-birds, and 

 find a ready sale in all the Settlements. 



