24 
ZEN AID A DOVE. 
flexible, and the upper turgid towards the end; by their short 
tarsi, divided toes* and long, acute wings, with the first primary 
somewhat shorter than the second, which is the longest. This 
group (the true Pigeons and Doves) is however so numerous in 
species, that we cannot but wonder that it should still remain 
comparatively untouched by the reforming hand of our contem¬ 
poraries; especially seeing that as good reasons may be found 
for subdividing them as the Parrots, and other large natural 
groups. We may indicate the differences exhibited in the form 
of the scales covering the tarsus, and the shape of the tail, &c. 
as offering characters on which sections or genera could be 
founded. But as thfe species of the United States, which are those 
we are to treat of, are but few, we shall leave the promising task 
to any one whose researches may lead him to engage in it; and 
shall only observe, that the two species described by Wilson 
belong to a different group from the three we have since intro¬ 
duced into the Fauna of this country. Of these the present 
beautiful Dove is the only one hitherto undescribed. 
This new and charming little species inhabits the Florida keys 
with the preceding, but is much more rare. We have also 
received it from Cuba, and noticed a specimen in a collection of 
skins sent from that island by Mr. MacLeay to the Zoological 
Society of London. They are fond of being on the ground, 
where they are most commonly observed, dusting themselves, and 
seeking for the gravel which, like the gallinaceous birds, they 
swallow to assist digestion. When flushed, they produce the 
same whistling noise with their wings as the common Turtle 
Dove, Columba carolinensis. 
The Zenaida Dove measures ten inches in length. The bill 
is somewhat more robust than that of the common Dove, but 
otherwise perfectly similar, less than an inch long, black, the 
corners of the mouth being lake: the irides are dark brown, the 
