Four eggs taken by Whitehead at Cape Engaño in May, 1895, are “glossy and measure from 26.5 to 28.5 in length, and from 19.5 to 20 in breadth.” (Oates.)
“Fairly common in deep woods. Breeds in April. Legs and feet deep pink; nails brown. Length, 260; wing, 127; tail, 95; tarsus, 19; middle toe with claw, 29.” (Bourns and Worcester MS.)
This species is fairly abundant in the islands where it occurs. Several nests were found in Mindoro; they were constructed of twisted plant tendrils which material gave the nests the appearance of being made of spiral springs. The nest was invariably placed in a small tree and rested on a horizontal branch at from 2 to 6 meters from the ground. Eggs and nestlings were found from April 8 to May 6.
22. PHAPITRERON OCCIPITALIS Salvadori.
BASILAN WHITE-EARED PIGEON.
- Phabotreron occipitalis Salvadori, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. (1893), 21, 68; Sharpe, Hand-List (1899), 1, 55.
- Phapitreron occipitalis McGregor and Worcester, Hand-List (1906), 10.
Basilan (Everett, Steere Exp., Bourns & Worcester, McGregor).
Adult (sexes similar).—“Similar to P. leucotis, but the rufous throat more vinous, and the occiput of a coppery amethystine, very conspicuous; the back and wings of a more greenish hue. ‘Iris light warm brown; bill black; feet carmine.’ (Everett.) Length, about 230; wing, 127; tail, 91; bill, 15; tarsus, 20.” (Salvadori.)
“Iris purple; legs and feet dark pink; nails brown; bill black. Length, 250; wing, 126; tail, 86; culmen, 18; tarsus, 18.5; middle toe with claw, 28. Abundant in Basilan. A deep woods bird.” (Bourns and Worcester MS.)