3 86 
PIGEONS AND SAND-GROUSE. 
the Nicobar pigeon represents not only its genus, but likewise a special subfamily 
(Calcenadince), distinguished from the preceding groups by the elongated and 
narrow feathers of the neck, which resemble the hackles of a game-cock. The 
general colour of the plumage is metallic green with copper-coloured reflections, 
the under-parts are less brightly coloured, the head, neck, and upper breast being 
nearly black, while the quills are also much the same colour, and the short tail 
and its coverts are pure white. The bill and the knob at the base are black, and 
the legs and feet dark purple. In one of the Nicobar Islands, Davison says 
that the birds swarm by thousands, and in the early morning may be seen flying 
from the island in flocks out to sea, doubtless to other islands of the group to 
feed. When well up in the air, the flight is swift and powerful, and somewhat 
like that of sand-grouse. Having wandered some distance away from the rest of 
his party, and reached a part of the jungle where the birds had not been disturbed, 
he was surrounded by a flock of at least thirty old and young pigeons. Their gait 
was pigeon-like, and while digging among the dead leaves in search of food with 
their bills they were very silent, their only note being a hoarse croak. He 
always met with them 
on the ground, and, 
when disturbed, they 
invariably perched on 
the thicker branches 
along which they were 
often seen to walk. 
The Nicobar pigeon 
builds a nest of sticks, 
in which the single 
eofg is laid. 
Crowned Pigeons. 
ALBERTIS' CROWNED pigeon. (From D’Albertis’ New Guinea .) 
Family GOUBIDJE . 
The members of 
this family are the 
largest existing repre¬ 
sentatives of the order, 
and are characterised 
by the erect fan-shaped 
crest which adorns the 
head as well as by their 
large size, while they 
are further distin¬ 
guished by having the 
metatarsus covered all 
over with small six- 
sided scales. Exclus- 
