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it and have done much to perpetuate the species. As a table bird the 
Sage Hen is not very desirable as it is apt to be too strongly impregnated 
with sage to be palatable. In the spring the male Sage Hen like many 
other Grouse executes a most interesting mating dance. In it the star- 
shaped tail is opened to its fullest extent and thrown over the back, so 
as to give the appearance of a many rayed flower and the under coverts 
are fluffed. A throat sac is inflated and the body is bowed down to the 
ground. It is to be hoped that the few individuals of this most interesting 
bird, remaining in Canada, may be preserved. 
Order — Columbae. Pigeons and Doves 
This order, of world-wide distribution, is variously divided by different 
authors. According to the system of classification of the American 
Ornithologists’ Union all our American species are included in the one 
family, Columbidae. They are the most typically pigeon-like in form and, 
therefore, may be called the True Pigeons. 
FAMILY COLUMBIDAE. TRUE PIGEONS AND DOVES 
Pigeons and Doves may in a general way be said to resemble in outline 
and actions our familiar domestic stock. Characters are more easily felt 
than described. Systematically, they may be recognized by their bills. 
These are hard and horny at the tip, which is very slightly enlarged. The 
basal half is furnished with a soft, slightly swollen membrane in which 
the nostrils open (Figure 35, page 29). The legs and feet are weak, fitted 
only for walking over small level areas or for simple perching. Our common 
domestic Pigeons, descended from the Rock Dove of Europe, show the 
most distinctive characteristics of the family. There are no recognizable 
or taxonomic differences between the so-called Pigeons and Doves. 
312. Band-tailed Pigeon. Coluniba fasciata. L, 16. Plate XXIII B. The largest 
of our Pigeons, resembling in general outline and build the common domestic inhabitants 
Distinctions. Easily separated from the Mourning 
Dove and Passenger Pigeon by its large size, bluish colour, 
and broad, rounded (Figure 198), instead of long, pointed, 
tail. From the White-winged Dove, which has a similarly 
shaped tail, by its greatly superior size, bluish to purple 
general colour, and the lack of white patch on wings. 
Field Marks. Evident Dove appearance, round tail, 
large size, and general blue coloration. Separated from 
the domestic Dove by its habitat and readiness to alight 
in trees. 
Nesting. Platform of sticks in dense shrubbery. 
Distribution. In Canada west of the Coast range 
north at least to Bella Coola; west in the United States to 
central Colorado and south to Central America. 
SUBSPECIES. All birds except those of Lower California are referred to the type 
form Coluniba fasciata fasciata. 
The Band-tailed is the Pigeon of the west coast. Its large size makes it 
a rather valuable table bird, but it has not been hunted much nor seriously 
reduced in numbers in Canada. In the United States it has been pursued 
in winter to such an extent as to seriously deplete its numbers and arouse 
some anxiety regarding its future. Since adequate protective measures 
have been established, it seems to be recovering satisfactorily. 
Figure 198 
Tail of Band-tailed Pigeon 
funder side); scale, J. 
