118 
Synopsis of the Birds 
protuberant membrane, at base : nostrils medial, longitudinal 
perforated in the membrane anteriorly : tongue rather shorty 
acute, entire. Feet short, rather robust ; tarsi reticulated t, 
toes divided ; hind toe twice as long as the inner : nails in- 
curved, acute. Wings moderate. Tail of twelve or 
fourteen feathers. 
Female generally similar to the male. Young differ con- 
siderably before the first moult. Moult annually. Feathers 
strong. 
Live in high trees in woods, or on high buildings, generally 
in societies. Feed on seeds, principally cereal and legumin- 
ous, sometimes on fruit : retain the aliment in the crop, 
where it is prepared for digestion. The greater part build in 
elevated situations ; nest loose, flat, formed of small twigs, 
and wide enough to contain both sexes; lay generally tw© 
eggs, several times in the year. Feed their young by regur- 
gitating into the mouth the grains macerated in their crop. 
Pair for life, but congregate in flocks in the autumn. Make 
a rustling with their wings in the breeding season : male ad- 
dresses his mate by uttering a peculiar note, by billing, and 
by various evolutions. Drink at one draught, immerging the 
bill. No song; voice merely a simple cooing. 
Inhabit all climates ; species far more numerous in hot 
countries. Almost equally related to Passeres and Gallinse 
37. COLUMBA. 
Coin mho, L. Briss . Gm . Lath . 111. Cuv . Temm. Columba . 
Lophyrus, Vieill. Columba , Vmago , Goiira , Stephens 
RanzanL 
SUBGENUS I. COLUMBA. 
Genus Columba , Stephens. Ranz . 
» Bill moderately robust, straight, turgid at tip. Tarsi 
