Birds of America

By John James Audubon, F. R. SS. L. & E.

VOLUME V.

Back TOC Forward

GENUS III.--ECTOPISTES, Swains. LONG-TAILED DOVE.

Bill straight, of ordinary length, rather slender, broader than high at the base, with a tumid fleshy covering, compressed toward the end. Head small, oblong; neck of moderate length; body rather slender. Feet short; tarsus as short as the hind toe and claw, anteriorly scutellate; outer toe slightly shorter than inner; claws rather short, stout, arched, obtuse. Plumage compact above; blended, but firm beneath. Wings long; first and second quills longest, and about equal. Tail long, cuneate, pointed. Digestive organs as in the preceding genus.

portions copyright © Richard R. Buonanno, 1995
Portions copyright © Creative Multimedia Corp., 1990-91, 1992