88 
NATURAL HISTORY OF 
are obliged to migrate to warmer latitudes during 
the severity of winter, when the ground becomes 
congealed by frost, or covered with snow. 
In no tribe of tlie feathered race do we meet with 
a plumage better adapted to gratify and delight the 
eye, than that of the pigeons or family of the Co- 
lumbidffi ; for among the numerous species of which 
it is composed, there exists a diversity as well as a 
brilliancy of effect, that cannot be contemplated with- 
out admiration. In some, the plumage shines with 
a dazzling and metallic gloss, varying in tint with 
every motion of the bird, and which vies in lustre 
with that of the diminutive and sparkling humming- 
bird. Such is that of the Carpophaga ffinea, Ocea- 
nica, and many other species. In other genera, as 
Vinago and Ptilinopns, the plumage is admirably as- 
similated to the arboreal habits of the birds, con- 
sisting of delicate shades of yellows and vivid greens, 
just sufficiently contrasted with smaller masses of 
richer or more resplendent hues to produce the liap- 
piest effect. In the typical groups again, a modest 
yet chaste assortment of colours generally prevails, 
and whicli, though less striking at first sight, never 
fails to give permanent satisfaction to the eye. As 
the species approach the true Rasorial tribes, the 
colours become more uniform in tint, but still, in 
certain lights, are encircled by glossy reflections, 
which especially prevail upon the region of the neck 
and breast. 
In texture the plumage is generally close and ad- 
