506 
Birds of Ceylon. 
moil woods. It is of a beautiful green colour, and is as large 
as our comnion fowl. This species swarms in Ceylon at all 
seasons of the ear ; they are often shot by the Europeans, 
and are highly esteemed for the table. It is remarkable of 
these pigeons that they never alight on the ground, but perch 
on high trees, particularly on the Banyan-tree. 
There is another species of pigeon of a greyish colour, which 
is nearly as large as that described ; and the woods every where 
abound with smaller pigeons of dilferent kinds and various co- 
lours. The small green dove and a greyish red species are nu- 
merous. 
I have been told that the pelican is a native of this island, 
but I never saw it. There are a few partridges, of the small red- 
legged kind, found on the west coasts between Nigimibo and 
Manaar. Many attempts have been made to propagate the 
breed more extensively here ; and general Macdowal was at 
particular pains in procuring them from Tutocoreen and other 
parts on the opposite coast, when they wTre let loose in the 
cinnamon gardens to breed. 
Among a great variety of smaller birds, we particularly dis- 
tinguish the honey-bird. It is so called from a peculiar in- 
stinct by which it discovers the honey concealed in trees. As 
if designed for the service of the human species, this bird 
continues to flutter about and make a great noise till it has 
attracted the notice of some person, and induced him to fol- 
low the course it points out to him. It then flutters before 
him, till it has led him to the tree where the bees have lodged 
their treasure. The man then carries off the honey, leaving a 
little for the use of the bird, which silently and contentedly 
watches till it is permitted to enjoy its reward. As soon as it 
8 
