TOOTH-BILLED PIGEON. 387 
ively Australasian in their distribution, all the six known species inhabiting the 
Papuan Islands have the general colour bluish slate; but the Victorian crowned 
pigeon (Goura victoriai) differs from its allies in having the tips of the crest- 
feathers spatulate or club-shaped. Very little has been recorded concerning the 
habits of these splendid birds, but they appear to spend much of their time on 
the ground in search of food, and being remarkably stupid may be easily 
approached within gunshot. The species here figured (G. albertisi ) was discovered 
by the explorer from whom it takes its name. 
The Tooth-Billed Pigeon. 
Family DidunGULIDjE. 
Occupying an entirely isolated position among the existing members of the 
order, the tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris ) is perhaps the most 
TOOTH-BILLED PIGEON (J 11 at. Size). 
interesting representative of the whole group, on account of its kinship to the 
dodo. An inhabitant of the Samoan Islands, this pigeon possesses a remarkably 
heavy powerful bill and short strong legs. r Ihe head, mantle, and chest aie 
metallic blackish green, while the rest of the upper-parts are chestnut, and the 
under-parts brownish black. The bill is orange and the legs and feet reddish 
ochre. The following account of its habits is taken from one given by Mr. 
