380 THE FEATHERED TRIBES. 



and continues forming a scries of arcs during the whole time, frcquentl}' uttering a peculiar 

 cry. Its strange name, which cannot fail to strike the reader at a glance, is thus fully 

 accounted for. This bird inhabits the forest of Anteniquois, and is so bold as to persecute 

 the white eagle, a bird, as we have seen, of no ordinary power. 



THE RING-POVE, OR CUSHAT.* 



This is a bird widely disseminated throughout Europe, cither as a permanent resident, 

 or as a periodical visitant ; in the first state, in all those countries where the climate and 

 temperature arc such as to insure a constant supply of food ; and in the latter, in those 

 higher latitudes where the rigour of winter is severely felt, and the ground for a long 

 period remains covered with snow. Of its geographical distribution in other quarters 

 of the globe, we can only speak with imcertainty, as it is evident that species, bearing a 

 resemblance in form and colour, have been mistaken for it, and as such recorded in the 

 relations of various travellers. Temminck mentions it in his " History of the Pigeons," 

 as inhabiting parts of Northern Asia and Africa, and it is known to be a native of 

 Madeira, as well as another nearlj' allied species, lately described in the " Illustrations of 

 Ornitholog)^" under the title of the Columba Trocaz. In America it has not j'et been recog- 

 nised, neither does it appear among the species which abound within the tropical latitudes 

 of the ancient world. In Britain, it is distributed from one extremity of the kingdom to 

 the other, residing permanently with us ; for, though subject to a partial movement upon 

 the approach of winter, when the various indi\ iduals scattered over the country collect 

 together and form extensive flocks, no actual migration takes jilace, but these congregated 

 masses still keep within their respective districts. The magnitude of these winter flocks has, 

 no doubt, sugge^ed the idea that a migration from distant climes to this country annually 

 takes place at this season of the year, and that the numbers of our native stock are thus aug- 

 mented. We see no necessity, however, for supposing this to be the case, nor is it authorised 

 by any observed or established fact. The species in districts favourable to its increase appears 

 to be sufiiciently numerous to accomit for the largest bodies ever seen assembled together. 



This congregating of the ring pigeons takes place towards the end of October or 

 beo'inninor of November, at which time all the autumnal broods have become fullv 

 fledged, and they remain thus united till the beginning of February, when the first mild 

 days and the genial influence of the ascending sun again call forth those instinctive 

 feelings which urge them to separate and pair, and each to seek an approi^rlate retreat 

 for the rearing of a future brood. At first, when thus congregated, they haunt the 

 stubbles, or, in districts producing an abundance of beech-mast or acorns, the woods and 

 trees; but as these resources become exhausted, they resort to the turnip fields, the leaves 

 and tops of which root they greedily devour. This food now constitutes their principal 

 support during the winter and early spring months, or until the clover begins to sprout 

 and the seed-corn is committed to the earth ; and it has been observed that the increase 

 of the species has been progressive with that of the culture of this valuable root. The 

 numerous and extensive plantations that of late years have been so generally made 

 throughout the island, and which, in a young and close growing state, are peculiarly 

 favourable to its habits, must also be taken into account, and perhaps these tend, in an 

 equal degree to the cause above assigned, — the rapid increase of its numbers. When 

 thus united, they repair <o their feeding ground early in the morning, and again in the 

 afternoon before they retire to roost, the middle of the day being passed in repose or 

 digesting their first meal, upon the nearest trees. When thus perched, some are always 

 upon the watch ; and so great is their vigilance, that it is almost impossible by any 



• Columliii ]'ahimbus. — I.inn. 



