Volume 9, Plate XV / Ornithology (Birds)

Powter or Cropper Pigeon

Columba var. Gutturosa subrubicunda

A domestic variety remarkable for its monstrous power of inflating the gullet, which when fully puffed may equal the body itself, forcing the bird upright with head thrown back and rendering it prey to hawks and rival pigeons. This peculiarity also breeds a fatal disease of the crop when feeding young, so that despite its singular appearance and beauty it ranks low with breeders; it occurs in all colours, reddish-brown being most prevalent.