The STRIPED SPARROW-HAWK PIGEON (_Geopeleia striata_) has light brown
plumage; all the feathers on the mantle and under side being striped with
black; the brow and throat are dark grey, the belly and rump whitish; the
quills and feathers of the centre part of the tail-covers of a metallic
brown, delicately sprinkled with black towards their roots, and pure white
at their extremities. The eye is light brown, the beak pale, and the foot
dark yellow. This species is nine inches long, its wing measures three
inches and three-quarters.
[Illustration: THE KUKULI (_Melopeleia meloda_).]
The Sunda and Molucca Islands must be regarded as the native land
of this Pigeon, which is, however, numerously met with not only in
the neighbouring countries, but in Europe. In Java it is very highly
esteemed as a domestic favourite, its voice being supposed to act as a
charm against witchcraft. Many writers speak of this bird as peculiarly
interesting when in captivity, but, although it possesses a sweet pleasing
voice, we have been unable to discover anything attractive in its habits.
Such caged birds as we have observed were extremely quiet, remaining
almost motionless throughout the day, and only coming down from their
perch to eat or drink.
[Illustration: _Plate 26, Cassell's Book of Birds_