The DWARF PIGEON (_Chalcopeleia Afra_), a small and delicate species found
in Africa, represents a group recognisable by their short, rounded tail,
high tarsi, and the very remarkable metallic coloration of the upper
secondary quills. In this bird the sombre olive-brown mantle is relieved
by a yellowish sheen; the top of the head is grey; the brow and throat are
whitish; the under side is reddish grey, with belly of a very pale tint,
and black rump. The quills are blackish brown, with cinnamon-red roots and
inner web; the metallic patches on the plumage gleam with deep blueish
black; the centre tail-feathers are olive-brown, and those at the exterior
black. The eye is red, the beak blackish, and the foot yellowish red. This
species is seven inches and a quarter long. The wing measures four and the
tail three inches.
The Dwarf Pigeon inhabits the southern and eastern parts of Africa, rarely
appearing, according to our own observations, farther north than sixteen
degrees north latitude. Amongst the forests in the vicinity of the Blue
River we met with it constantly, as also in the well-wooded valleys of
the Samchara and Abyssinian mountains. In these situations it almost
invariably frequents the shelter of thick brushwood, never ascending to
the summits of lofty trees, and only quitting its leafy concealment for a
few minutes at a time, for the purpose of drinking. The immediate vicinity
of water is an indispensable necessity to these birds, and where this is
to be found they frequently confine their movements within the limits
of a few yards, provided the neighbouring bushes and parasitical plants
afford them a constant supply of the various seeds upon which they rely
for subsistence. In disposition they are peaceful and unsocial, each pair
keeping apart, and never congregating even in small parties. Like most
members of this family, the male exhibits the utmost tenderness towards
his mate. The nest, which is built indifferently in low bushes close to
the ground, on fallen tree trunks, or in hollow trees, resembles that of
other Pigeons, but is somewhat stronger, and more neatly built. In Soudan
the period of incubation commences with the rainy season. The solitary egg
we were able to obtain was found on the fourteenth of January, and had a
yellowish white shell.
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The GROUND PIGEONS pass their entire lives upon the ground, and are
remarkable for the length of their legs. These birds have short or
moderate-sized wings, and powerful, high tarsi. The tail is variously
formed, being sometimes short, quite straight, slightly rounded, or much
prolonged, and wedge-shaped. The members of this group are met with in all
parts of the globe except the continent of Europe.
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The AMERICAN GROUND PIGEONS (_Zenaidæ_), as Bonaparte has named such
of these birds as inhabit America, have a powerful body, short wings,
and long, well-developed legs. The various species comprised in this
group are met with in all parts of that continent, but are especially
numerous in the south. In their general habits they seem to occupy a
position intermediate between Pigeons and Rasoreal Birds, and some of them
strikingly resemble certain Partridges.
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The SINGING DOVES (_Melopeleia_) have comparatively long wings, a
moderate-sized tail, and plumage much resembling that of the Turtle Dove.
The region of the eye is bare. Of these the best known is