Page [15]

SPECIES 3. COLUMB. PAdSSERINd.
                    GROUND DOVE.
     [Plate XLVI.-Fig. 2, Male-Fig. 3, Female.]
LINN. Syst. 285.-SLOAN. Jam. ii. 305.-Le Cocotzin, Fernandez,
  24.-BUFF. II, 559. Pl. Enl. 243.-La petite Tourterelle, BRISS.
  i, 113. -TuRT. Syst. 478.-Columba minnuta, Ibid. p. 479.*-
  Jrct. Zool. P. 328, .J\o. 191.-CATESB. I, 526.t
  THIS is one of the least of the Pigeon tribe, whose timid
and innocent appearance forms a very striking contrast to the
ferocity of the Bird-killer of the same plate. Such as they are
in nature, such I have endeavoured faithfully to represent them.
I have been the more particular with this minute species, as no
correct figure of it exists in any former work with which I am
acquainted.
  The Ground Dove is a native of North and South Carolina,
Georgia, the new state of Louisiana, Florida, and the islands of
the West Indies. In the latter it is frequently kept in cages; is
esteemed excellent for the table, and honoured by the French
planters with the name of Ortolan. They are numerous in the
sea islands on the coast of Carolina and Georgia; fly in flocks
or coveys of fifteen or twenty; seldom visit the woods, prefer-
ring open fields and plantations; are almost constantly on the
ground, and when disturbed fly to a short distance and again
alight. They have a frequent jetting motion with the tail; feed
on rice, various seeds and berries, particularly those of the
Tooth-ache treet under or near which, in the proper season,
they are almost sure to be found. Of their nest or manner of
breeding I am unable, at present, to give any account.
  * Prince Musignano consider, this synonyme is incorrect.
  -tColumba Passerina, LATI. Ind. Or-it.p. 611, .N'o. G7. C m1jiluta, id.
p. 612, SVo 68f
  t Xanthoxylumn Clava Herculis.