H 
PIGEON TRIBE. 
States, particularly in South Carolina and Georgia, where it is 
seen in small flocks of from fifteen to twenty. These birds 
are found usually upon the ground, and prefer the open fields 
and cultivated tracts to the woods ; their flight is seldom pro- 
tracted, as they fly out commonly only to short distances, 
though on the approach of winter they retire to the islands 
and milder parts of the continent, arriving again at their 
northern resorts early in April. Like some other species, they 
have a frequent jetting motion with the tail, and the usual 
tender cooing and gesticulations of the tribe. They feed on 
various seeds and berries, particularly on those of the tooth- 
ache tree, near which they are frequently seen in the season. 
They likewise feed on rice and other small grain, and become 
easily tamed and reconciled to the cage ; in this way they are 
also occasionally fattened for the table, and are particularly 
esteemed by the French planters. 
The Ground Dove is still a common bird in the South, and 
wanders occasionally as far north as the District of Columbia. 
BLUE-HEADED QUAID-DOVE. ! 
Starncenas CVANOCEPHALA. * i 
i 
Char. Above, olive brown; crown rich blue, bordered by black; a I 
wide stripe of white from chin to back of neck ; below, russet, the breast I 
tinged with purple ; throat black, edged with white. Length 1 1 inches. 
On a tree or low bush ; a platform of loosely arranged twigs. 
1-2; white; 1.40 X 1.05. j 
This species was observed by Audubon on the island of j 
Key West early in May, — probably soon after its arrival from | 
Cuba, where it abounds. It is rarely to be seen, from its habit 
of keeping on the ground and living among dense thickets. h 
These birds also inhabit Jamaica and Cuba, and in the latter ! 
island they are commonly caught in traps, and brought to 
market in great numbers, being esteemed as food. They 
admit of being tamed, but when tame refuse to propagate. j 
The tail is carried downwards, as in the Partridge. They keep ' 
in small bands, are chiefly seen on the ground, on which they 
often squat, and do not roost on trees. 
