S. Porter—A West Indian Diary



70



the ground, for it would then be well nigh invisible on the floor of

the forest ; the under tail-coverts exactly resembling a small cluster

of dead leaves. The birds will remain in this position for a long time

quite motionless.


Gosse says “ Its coo consists of two loud notes, the first short and

sharp, the second protracted and descending in a mournful cadence.

At a distance its first note is inaudible, and the second reiterated at

measured intervals sounds like the groans of a dying man. These

moans heard in the most recluse and solemn glens while the bird is

rarely seen have probably given it the name of “ Mountain Witch


This Pigeon differs in its general demeanour from any other Pigeons

with which I am acquainted and in many of its habits seems rather to

resemble a gallinaceous bird than a member of the Columbidse. Its

gait resembles that of a water hen. The bird walks quickly lifting

the feet high at each step during which time the tail is jerked up and

down. In fact the bird can run with great rapidity, and in a wild state,

trusts more on its fleetness of foot to escape its enemies than on its

power of flight. In its habit of scratching the ground and of the young

following the mother about shortly after they are hatched, this bird

resembles the Gallinaceous birds. The eggs too, instead of being white

as in most Pigeons, are said to be a buff colour. As these birds were

very expensive I advertised a pair for sale, but had so many requests

for them that I rather foolishly sold all but one pair : these I hope will

breed next season as I have just the type of aviary for them, but

unfortunately at the moment rats have got in, so until these are cleared

out I cannot release them in it. I do not think there is the slightest

chance that any more of these birds will be brought to this country,

which is a pity, as they are certainly the most attractive of all

pigeons in captivity.


The Bald Pate or White-headed Pigeon (Columha leucocephala ).

Of the nine species of Pigeons found in Jamaica five are indigenous

to the island, but this species is not one of them, being found in many

of the West Indian Islands where it is esteemed as an article of food.

The “ Bald Pate ” is perhaps the most striking of the islands’ Pigeons

after the rare and lovely “ Mountain Witch In flight the bird

appears a bluish slate-grey with a white head. Close up, it appears a



