Pigeons / by Prideaux John Selby.

  • Selby, Prideaux John, 1788-1867.
Date:
[1845-46]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Pigeons / by Prideaux John Selby. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    283/296 (page 221)
    THE NICOBAR GROUND PIGEON. Geophilus Nicobariciis. PLATE XXIX. Columba Nicobarica, Lath. Ind. Ornith. ii. p. 605. sp. 44.— Coluraba Gallus, Wdgler^ Syst. Av. sp. 113.—Colombe- Galline a Camail, Temm. Pig. p. 5. t. ii. Id, 8vo, p. 383. —Nicobar Pigeon, Edw. t. 339. female Lath. Syn. iv. p. 642, 38. In richness and splendour of plumage, this inte- resting species yields to none of the Columbidm, though it may not be able to compete in elegance of form, or gracefulness of carriage, with others belong- ing to the typical groups. Its heavy and rounded body, its pendant tail, and concave wings, evidently shew its situation to be among the species which lead immediately to the typical Rasores, and this.af- finity is still further strengthened and confirmed by its habits, which closely resemble those of the species we have lately been describing. Its habitual resi- dence is upon the gi'ound, where it runs with great celerity, and it is only during night, or the hours of repose, that it perches upon the lower branches and limbs of trees.* It makes its nest upon the ground, * Mr Bemiet asserts, in his description of the splendid